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Contact: Lynn Bretz, University Relations, (785) 864-8858

Chancellor refocuses convocation, sets candlelight vigil for Thursday

LAWRENCE -- Chancellor Robert Hemenway today asked the university community to participate in a period of dialogue and reflection about Tuesday's national tragedy and to take a personal role in the response.

In an email to the campus this afternoon, Hemenway said the annual Faculty and Staff Convocation, set for 3:30 p.m. Thursday in 110 Budig Hall, will be refocused. Instead of speeches and faculty recognition, convocation will be an event to initiate conversation.

"As we enter a second day of shock and mourning over the tragic events of yesterday, we are all struggling with how to make sense of what's happened. I am inviting the KU community to participate in a period of conversation, reflection, and engagement," Hemenway said.

"Convocation has traditionally been a time for the provost and me to talk about the state of the university and specific initiatives. However, all of our lives were changed yesterday."

Hemenway said he would talk with the audience about the tragedy and "how we, as a university family, can come together to support each other and our students."

After Hemenway's remarks, the audience will be invited to the rotunda of Strong Hall for informal, small group conversations.

 • Hemenway also invited the campus and community to participate in a candlelight vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Campanile, on Memorial Drive.

The vigil will be led by members of the University of Kansas Religious Advisers association.

Hemenway said individual and community engagement would be expressed by giving blood, assisting with relief efforts, and participating in a variety of forums to be announced in the coming days and weeks.