Important Notice

April 11, 1996

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

I am sorry to inform you that one of our undergraduate students, Rex Chao, was fatally shot last night on the Homewood campus. Campus security responded immediately, and another undergraduate, Robert Harwood, Jr., was arrested and subsequently charged with homicide. Apparently, he and Mr. Chao had been friends. To the best of our knowledge, this tragedy was an isolated incident arising from a personal dispute.

The entire University mourns Rex Chao's death. A tragedy of this magnitude can lead to widespread grief, anger, and depression within the Hopkins Community. The Counseling Center and Campus Ministries staff have been available since the incident for anyone who wished to talk with them, and will continue to be available as long as needed. I ask all faculty to be sensitive and responsive to students during this period. Letters are being sent to all members of the university community and parents informing them about this tragic event.

If you have concerns, please feel free to contact the Counseling Center at 516-8278, Campus Ministries at 516-8188, or Larry Benedict, Dean of Homewood Student Affairs at 516-7875. Meanwhile, I want to assure you that we will do everything we can to prevent future tragedies of this kind. We place the utmost value on providing a safe environment for our students, faculty and staff.

Again, I am sorry to share this tragic news with you. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Rex Chao.

Sincerely,
Daniel Nathans