We Grieve with the CVPA Community

October 24, 2022

Dear members of the SLU community,

Today, there was a shooting at Central Visual and Performing Arts High School (CVPA), just a few miles from our midtown St. Louis campus. 

This tragedy strikes very close to home. Our faculty, staff, and students have many close connections to this school. 

We pray for those whose lives were lost, and those who were injured. We pray for the students, staff members, family members, and loved ones who feel the terror and heartbreak of this day. We pray for the law enforcement officers and other first responders whose courage saved lives. 

Our Jesuit, Catholic mission also calls us to put our faith into action. In the days ahead, may we be an active source of support to those who are suffering. May we collectively apply the wisdom and expertise of our community toward ending the epidemic of gun violence. 

As news of today’s tragedy continues to unfold, please know that traumatic events may affect you or others in many ways. 

Be kind and have grace with one another. Check in with your students, friends, and colleagues. Do not hesitate to reach out for well-being support, which is available for all students, staff, and faculty.

I pray that we will continue to be a source of hope for one another, today and always.

Sincerely,

Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D.
President