On Monday, University of Western Ontario President Amit Chakma sent a condolence letter to Her Excellency Else Berit Eikeland of The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa. “Your loss is felt worldwide,” the president wrote, “and here, too, at The University of Western Ontario.”
The president reminded the ambassador of Western’s long-lasting friendships with students and researchers in Norway, and expressed the university’s commitment to solidarity in this difficult time.
The world has mourned for Norway since Friday, when at least 76 people were killed following a bombing in central Oslo and a series of shootings on the island of Utoeya, where a gunman opened fire on young people at a summer camp organized by the ruling Labour Party.
The president’s letter is reprinted in full below.
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Dear Ambassador Eikeland,
On behalf of the entire University of Western Ontario community, I am writing to express our deep condolences to you and the people of Norway in the aftermath of the tragic events of Friday, July 22. Your loss is felt worldwide and here, too, at The University of Western Ontario.
Many of our faculty collaborate closely with colleagues at universities and institutes across Norway. We also welcome a number of Norwegian students to study at our campus each year, as do your universities welcome our students. Long-lasting friendships are often the foundation of these collaborations and result of our exchanges.
This day and your loss will never be forgotten. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and solidarity at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Amit Chakma
