Chancellor Javier Reyes sent the campus community the email message below on May 1 with updates regarding the memorial vigil planned for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5.
 

To the campus community,  

As I’ve shared, this coming Tuesday, May 5, the campus will come together at 3 p.m. to mourn and remember Emma. Please join us on the north side of the Campus Center at the site where so many have left flowers in her memory. We will hear stories of Emma’s life, learn how to best support each other, and be in community as we mourn the loss of a friend and colleague.

The vigil will be led by Emma’s close friends and Gisella Zuniga, the director of the Center for Women and Community (CWC). At the request of those closest to Emma, we have been asked to continue honoring her by using only her first name.

Staff from CWC will be at the vigil for anyone seeking support. In the event of rain, the vigil will be held at the Mullins Center; I will send a message to campus if the move is required.

To accommodate those who worked most closely with Emma, I have asked that all dining operations, including dining commons, the Blue Wall, catering, and Harvest Market, close from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on May 5. Dining staff will receive further details from their managers.

I understand this may mean adjusting your dining plans on Tuesday afternoon. I appreciate your patience and understanding as we make space for Emma’s memory.

On behalf of Emma’s friends, I’d also like to share that the UMass Newman Catholic Center will offer a Mass for the repose of Emma’s soul at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5; all are invited to attend.

Please remember that the resources that are available for any member of our community who would like support.

The Center for Women and Community supports survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. A 24/7 hotline can be reached at (413) 545-0800.

The National Domestic Violence hotline serves all those affected by relationship abuse. The hotline is available 24/7 at (800) 799-7233 or by texting “START” to 88788.

Walk-in support for students is available at the Center for Counseling and Psychological Help (CCPH) at the Middlesex Building during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Students who wish to schedule a non-crisis check-in with a CCPH provider can request a “Let’s Talk” 15-minute consultation or schedule a first therapy appointment through the patient portal. Further information about CCPH services and mental health resources are available on the CCPH website.

Staff and faculty can access 24/7 support in multiple languages through our Employee Assistance Program, Mass4YOU, at (844) 263-1982 or by visiting supportfinder.optum.com and using access code mass4you. 

I hope that you will join us as you are able to in honoring and remembering Emma.  

Sincerely,
Javier A. Reyes
Chancellor