Editor’s note: The following letter was distributed to USI students, faculty, staff and retirees on Tuesday, July 9
As a parent and the president of the University of Southern Indiana, I am deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic death of a young child as a result of being left in a parked car on our campus. We are supporting the work of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department in their investigation and thank USI Public Safety for their immediate response and that of the wonderful staff of the Children’s Learning Center who provided aid.
The Children’s Learning Center (CLC) will be closed tomorrow, July 10, and we are assessing if it will reopen later in the week. We understand this will be inconvenient for parents who need childcare, but our thoughts right now are in supporting the individuals who are deeply affected by this tragedy and will need some time to process their grief to best support the children in their care. We will provide updates to parents on when the CLC will reopen as soon as possible.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of this young child. This is a loss no parent should bear. If you have a child in your life, please hug them tight and remember that counseling services are available if you need them.
Sincerely,
Ronald S. Rochon
USI President
