Monday, June 07, 2004

Memo to Media

UNCW Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo e-mailed this letter to all faculty and staff around 4 p.m., Monday, June 7. We thought you would like to have a copy.

Mimi Cunningham

Assistant to the Chancellor for University Relations



To: The University Community



From: Rosemary DePaolo





It is with great sadness and regret that I must address you again regarding the violent and tragic murder of one of our students. On Friday evening, June 4, 2004, Christen Naujoks, a junior, was brutally murdered outside of her apartment complex in New Hanover County. Her alleged assailant, John Peck, a former UNCW student, is still being sought by New Hanover County law enforcement, campus police, and other police agencies.



This heinous and cowardly crime strikes at the very soul of our university, just as the horrific murder of Jessica Faulkner did only a month ago. I know that this campus is reeling and feels a sense of disbelief that these two tragic deaths could occur. I share with all of you my grief and outrage over these incidents.



I want to reassure you that the safety and security of our university family are paramount for me. I am working on the formation of a task force on campus violence composed of a team of appropriate individuals both from within and outside of the university to evaluate a number of our programs and procedures and to ensure that our campus maintains the highest possible standards of safety and support for our students, faculty, and staff. I anticipate making an announcement about this task force once details are finalized.



As we continue to struggle with the murder of these two young women, please know this is a supportive university that has experts ready and able to help you cope with any anguish or grief you may be feeling.



The acts of hatred that led to the deaths of such innocent students are also acts of defiance against our society’s values. In times like this, our ability to support each other is a source of strength as we move forward. It is one of the strongest qualities of our UNCW family and a comfort at this most difficult time in our lives.