Support Resources for Students and Families

Dear Families,

In the past week, Western has faced some profoundly challenging and tragic situations. We want to reach out to you with an update and resources. As you may know, we experienced the heartbreaking loss of two students last week—an unprecedented circumstance for our community. And Tuesday, we learned that John Danneker, Dean of the Libraries here at Western, was arrested on campus Monday evening for communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

These are devastating circumstances. Please know that we are working to provide all students with the resources, support, and care they need during this difficult time. There is still a great deal we don’t know about our students’ deaths, and you and your student may have questions about what happened. Please know that we will share what we can as we learn more, and we will defer to the wishes and needs of the families and loved ones.

Dean Danneker has been removed from his position as Dean, and is on administrative leave pending the university’s investigation. The police investigation is ongoing. 

We will provide additional outreach and support to students who are impacted by all of these terrible events. Our Counseling and Wellbeing clinicians and our Victim Support Services staff are leading our response.

Some important elements they have stressed to us include that we are all impacted differently by loss, and on different timeframes. There is no “right” way to grieve. Checking in on your student, reminding them to keep their routines for sleep, meals, and exercise, as well as classes, can help reduce their stress. They can also reach out to the Counseling Center 24 hours a day at 360-650-3164, and their website includes helpful resources. We will be offering care spaces and other outreach in the coming weeks, and we will keep your student informed of those opportunities as well. As well, please encourage your student to reach out to their classroom professors or advisors for academic help or other guidance with their classes.

We recognize that the cumulative impact of these situations is very challenging. Please know that we are here to assist and are working in every possible way to support your student. 

Thank you for your continued care and concern.

With appreciation,

Melynda Huskey, Vice President of Student Affairs

Brad Johnson, Provost and Executive Vice President