Dear Members of the Campus Community,
I am deeply saddened to share with you that I learned last night that Louise Barnett from Palo Alto, California, passed away on Saturday following a brief hospitalization here in Tacoma over the past several days. I was able to join Rev. Dave Wright to spend time with Louise and her family on Thursday, and offer them our support. Louise’s passing is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues across campus who knew, lived, loved, and worked with her.
As many of you know, Louise was enrolled on campus this summer working toward her major in sociology and anthropology. We will plan a service in honor of her presence among us after classes resume in the fall, and notify the campus as more details are known about opportunities to remember her and celebrate her life. A funeral mass will be held in Palo Alto on Saturday, July 21, at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 3233 Cowper Street.
Please know that members of the Student Affairs staff and others have been in touch with Louise’s family, faculty, staff and fellow students to offer support. Students who would like to meet with a counselor are encouraged to contact Counseling, Health and Wellness at 253.879.1555 to schedule an appointment. Those who wish to speak with a chaplain may contact Helen Fickes in the Center for Intercultural and Civic Engagement at 253. 879.2751 or hfickes@pugetsound.edu.
Please take care of yourselves and each other as we hold Louise’s family and friends close in our hearts during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Isiaah
Isiaah Crawford, Ph.D. | President