Special Message for all Gonzaga Parents
April 5, 2012
Parents,
By now, I expect you have been made aware of the sudden and unexpected loss of a member of the Gonzaga University family last Sunday. Christopher Gormley, a first-year student, was the victim of a tragic accident Sunday afternoon while on a kayaking trip at Rock Lake, just outside of Spokane.
One other student on the trip was hospitalized as result of the accident, and was subsequently released. We are grateful, too, that all other participants returned safely. The Gonzaga family offers our thoughts and prayers to these young people and their families, and to the Outdoor Program students and staff so deeply impacted by the tragedy.
On Tuesday, the campus community gathered to honor Chris in a moving Mass of Remembrance. His parents and younger brother were here to receive the love and support of his fellow students, Jesuit leaders, faculty, staff, alumni and the Spokane community. All of us have been touched by this young man’s wonderful spirit and we are heart-broken at this tragedy.
In addition to the services here yesterday, a funeral Mass is planned for Wednesday April 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bothell, WA. The church is located at 2316 – 180th St. Southeast, Bothell, WA 98012.
As a parent of a GU student, you may sense your son or daughter may be deeply affected by the shock and sadness of this incident. Please be aware that counseling, pastoral services and academic support are available to any student at this time. The Student Life office (College Hall, Room 120 or 509.313.4100) is also a place for your student to visit if they are feeling overwhelmed and simply want to talk. We urge you to encourage your student to access these resources. Even if he or she doesn’t feel a particular need to reach out, such support can help immeasurably in coping with the loss, both immediately and over time.
If you have specific concerns or questions related to your student, please do not hesitate to contact Amy Walker in the Office of Parent and Family Programs at: walkera@gonzaga.edu or 509.313.4154. Amy can provide information and refer you to professionals throughout the institution who can respond to your concerns.
Thank you for your support, understanding, thoughts and prayers at this time.
Sincerely,
Sue Weitz, Ph.D.
Vice-President, Student Life