A Message from Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie

Dear Boxers,

Today we are united in grief over the tragic mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg. We offer our prayers and concern for those killed and injured. At this point, details are still emerging. What we know is that the people of Umpqua are hurting.

Tragedies such as this are all too common. This is one reason that our Campus Public Safety office works so hard to keep this community safe. People will debate what measures should be taken to stop such mass shootings. This is not the first such incident in Oregon. Can we do more?

Many diverse faith traditions have called for additional measures to reduce gun violence. Parents have joined those voices — along with students, educators and politicians from both political parties — in calling for new steps to make sure our classrooms are safe.

It will take time and effort to break the cycle of violence in our society. But act we must.

In the meantime, know that if you need someone to talk with there are resources available to students, faculty and staff.

Students may call the Student Counseling Center at 503-352-2191. For faculty and staff, our Employee Assistance Program provides services through Cascade Center. 

You just need to call and say you are an employee of Pacific University. 

Cascade Center
Toll Free: 1-800-433-2320
Portland: 503-639-3009
Salem: 503-588-0777

As university chaplain, I am also available to provide support — an extra person to talk with — regardless of whatever faith tradition you might hold (in fact, you don’t even need to have a faith tradition). 

Be kind to each other in the days to come as we learn more details and debate solutions.

Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie
University Chaplain