Chancellor Javier Reyes sent the campus community the email message below on April 27.
 

To the campus community:

As we grieve the loss of our colleague, Emma, we have been working with her closest friends and family to remember and honor her presence in the UMass community. At their suggestion and with their support, we will hold a memorial vigil next Tuesday, May 5, at 3 p.m. on the north side of the Campus Center where many have left remembrances of Emma over the past several days. 

I invite our staff, students, and faculty to come together for Emma. For those that know Emma, I hope we can use this space to share and honor her life. For those who did not know Emma, I hope you can join in community and learn who she was. Her friends describe an incredible woman who loved her daughter; her dogs, Tito and Jack; peonies; lavender; ladybugs; and so many people whose lives will be forever changed by her presence and loss.

The Center for Women and Community, a resource for all of Hampshire County that supports survivors of domestic violence, will partner in the planning of the vigil. Lavender was one of Emma’s favorite colors, and purple ribbons will be available throughout campus in the coming days for those who wish to visibly honor Emma while also increasing awareness of domestic violence. 

While we will have support available at the vigil, please know it also is available now. All staff, students, and faculty have access, immediately, to resources to guide them through this tragedy.

• 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 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. 

As we move through this grief, each in our own way, I ask that you center Emma’s family and friends as we hold space for them and each other.

Sincerely,
Javier A. Reyes
Chancellor