Dear students,

It is with a heavy heart that I’m writing you in regard to the death

of one of our students, Corey Jackson, a sophomore from Warren. The

Oakland County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed that he took

his own life on campus yesterday.

Any death in the campus community diminishes us all. We know there

will be no quick antidote for the pain that Corey’s sudden death has

caused, and that only time can heal the sorrow felt by his family and

friends. In our mourning, I am hopeful that we will not focus on the

manner of Corey’s death, but rather celebrate the life he lived and

the people he touched.

Reassuringly, this spirit of community is already evident. Corey’s

family and friends gathered in Van Wagoner Hall last evening to talk

about Corey’s death and to comfort each other. At 10 p.m. this

evening, those who loved and befriended Corey will gather again to

celebrate his life on the bridge that crosses Bear Lake.

I encourage all in the campus community to come together and comfort

those who need our support at this sad time. I’d also like to share

that Graham Health Center is prepared to provide counseling to anyone

who feels the need to talk about their feelings or manage their grief.

I’m confident that those who knew and loved Corey will miss him and

cherish his memory. I know, too, that we as a campus community will

keep his family and closest friends in our thoughts and prayers.

Gary

—

Gary D. Russi

President

Oakland University

Rochester, Michigan 48309