Earlham College
Official Bulletin
September 30, 2010
7:18 PM

The Earlham College community was saddened to learn this afternoon of the death of 18-year-old first-year student Alec Henriksen of Salt Lake City, Utah. Henriksen's body was found at approximately 3:00 p.m. on property belonging to Earlham Cemetery. His parents have been notified.

Vice President and Dean of Student Development Cheryl L. Presley confirmed the unfortunate occurrence today. Presley said that the College's Student Development staff is cooperating fully with the police inquiry into the death, which is standard procedure in the event of any death on campus. No foul play is suspected.

Student Development staff will be available to students for counseling and support in the residence halls and in the Student Development Office until 12:00 a.m. (midnight) this evening. Students may call 983-1400 (Campus Safety & Security) if they need assistance.

Additionally, both the Student Development Office in Earlham Hall and the Office of Religious Life in Virginia Cottage will be available to students from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2010.

The Earlham Counseling Center will be open and staffed from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1, 2010.

The Earlham community also may gather between noon and 1:00 p.m. in Stout Meetinghouse for silent reflection on Friday.

October 1, 2010

Dear Friends, All Members of the Earlham Community both on campus and far away in time or place,

Today the Earlham community has lowered the flag at the center of our campus. You may have already noticed. As we gathered together around campus last night, in classes this morning, in the Meeting House at noon, and everywhere else where Earlhamites find each other, we have all been thinking of other students who we loved, and who have died among us.

Our hearts are full of sadness as we think of the too recent deaths of Kai, Austin, Alec and Billy. And so in their names, and in the name of our community, we have lowered the flag. As we look at the flag this weekend, let's hold them, and each other in the light. Let's reaffirm our commitment to be present for one another.

Let us grieve and go forward.