Remembering Sonya Massey

Dear Seattle University Community,

In the midst of the political upheavals of the past few weeks, the tragic killing of Sonya Massey, shot by a police officer in her Springfield, Illinois, home after calling the police to report a possible intruder, has received less attention than it might otherwise have. For some, the story may seem all too familiar and easy to compartmentalize as a terrible thing that happened halfway across the country. And yet Sonya Massey was the cousin of our own faculty member Professor Quinton Morris. Her murder (the crime with which the police officer has now been charged), and its familial connection to our own academic community, is a reminder of our interconnectedness as human beings.

On behalf of the Seattle University community, I extend our deepest condolences to Professor Morris and to his extended family, who are grieving the senseless loss of a cousin, sister, aunt and mother. Amidst the political tumult of this election season, please take a moment to pause and pray for healing and justice for them and for the peaceful repose of Sonya Massey.

A number of resources are available for members of our campus community should you need support. Our Counseling and Psychological Services office is available for students and now has in-person urgent care hours, a 24-hour virtual Talk Now (through TimelyCare) mental health support service and more community-based services. Campus Ministers are available in Student Center 120 or by calling 206-296-6053 for an appointment. Staff and faculty seeking support have access to Resources for Living, our employee assistance program offered through Human Resources and the Center for Jesuit Education at 206-296-6133 or centerforjesuiteducation@seattleu.edu.

Respectfully,

Eduardo M. Peñalver
President