I know I speak for the entire Kent State community in expressing profound grief that so many promising lives have been lost, and in extending heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families and friends of the students who were killed and injured, and to the entire Northern Illinois community.

I also know that as our community shares the shock and sadness that is now overwhelming a fellow university and touching our entire nation, many of us also feel uneasy about the fact that such a violent act could occur on a college campus - especially so soon after the tragedy at Virginia Tech. I wish I could offer a guarantee that ways will be found to prevent such senseless acts on college campuses and in our country. Of course, the realities of modern society preclude such a blanket statement, and the tragedy at Northern Illinois University is a painful reminder that each of us must take an active role in our own safety.

As we share our grief about this tragedy, let us renew our individual and community commitment to being steadfast and vigilant about campus safety.

Sincerely,

Lester A. Lefton
President
Kent State University