Photo courtesty of CNN featuring MAT Maine College of Art & Design Alumni Miia Zellner '22
We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic events that unfolded in Lewiston, Maine on the evening of October 25, 2023. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the victims, who are surely experiencing unimaginable sorrow in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
While we know that words can neither properly express our grief nor heal the wounds caused by this horrific event, we want to offer our support to the families and friends of the victims, and let them know that we stand united with them during this dark hour.
We recognize the broad impact these events may have on our Maine College of Art & Design community—students, faculty, and staff. Our community’s physical and mental well-being is of paramount importance to us. As we all process last night’s tragedy, Maine College of Art & Design will continue to provide remote counseling services and student support. While we have closed our campus today (Thursday, October 26) out of an abundance of caution, we strongly encourage our students, faculty, and staff to familiarize themselves with campus safety procedures, and follow all local and state protocols as the search for the suspect unfolds.
In the hours and days to come, we will all grapple with the questions that tragedies such as the events in Lewiston inevitably raise. As we forge ahead, let us remember the resilience that defines the people of the great state of Maine. We encourage everyone to remain steadfast in our compassion for each other, and united by the hope that this situation will resolve without further violence.
Laura Freid, President
Beth Elicker, Executive Vice President
Ian Anderson, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of the College
Paul Gebhardt, Dean of Undergraduate Studies
Melvin D. Adams III, Dean of Student Life