Today, we are all Spartans.

Our hearts are with MSU’s students, faculty and staff as they navigate through the shooting on their campus last night that took the lives of three students, severely injured five more and impacted so many of the Spartan family. As Britons, we are sending our collective thoughts and prayers as they find a resolution to this horrific incident and work through needed healing during this difficult time.

Our campus emergency operations team monitored the information throughout last evening and well into the night with your safety in mind. There was never a time the team felt a need to lock down our campus given the proximity of Albion and East Lansing.

As a campus, we keep safety and security at the forefront of our minds. We have measures in place in partnership with Albion Department of Public Safety and other police agencies to address an active shooter on our campus. While these types of incidents have disrupted college and university campuses across the country, we will continue to provide reminders of our own protocols, as well as offer ongoing training related to an active shooter.

In these times and situations we become concerned and recognize that these issues can trigger our emotions and feelings where we all may need additional support. If you have an immediate need for care and support, please reach out to a support person in your immediate circle of influence — perhaps a family member, a friend or colleague. Counseling Services is prepared and ready to support students where needed. Students may also access additional virtual counseling through Albion Cares, our virtual network. Faculty and staff should reach out to our Employee Assistant Program (EAP) for resources to help them during this time.

And throughout today, please be flexible. As you go about your day, give those around you grace. Show kindness. If someone needs your time, give it. Work can wait. If a parent calls and needs to process, let them and reassure them we are taking care of their student. If your friend needs a hug on the way to class, give it. Your professor will be OK if you are just a minute or two late today. Be there, be present and be kind. Care for those who are here — today.

The campus will host a vigil today in support of the Spartan nation and to begin the healing process. Details will be provided later this morning.

Today, we are all Spartans. #SpartanStrong.

Take good care of each other,

Joe Calvaruso, ’78
Interim President