December 8, 2008
Dear Cal Poly Students,
Over the last several weeks we lost three fine, valued members of our community, Favian Mora, a second-year electrical engineering major, Carson Starkey, a first-year student in the architectural engineering program, and Frances Chang, a senior business student. We are saddened whenever death takes a member of the University family, but it is particularly heartbreaking to lose young persons, at the beginning of lives full of such potential and promise. I know you join me in holding Favian, Carson and Frances and their families in your thoughts and prayers at this very tragic time.
In the case of Carson's death, at an off-campus fraternity event, it appears that alcohol may have played a role.
As we head into the final days of the quarter and the holiday season, I would like to ask each of you to be mindful of the risks associated with consuming alcohol. If you choose to drink, be sure to exercise moderation and help your friends do so too.
Most of all, as a community we cherish our relationships with each other and reach out to help one another in good times and during times of need. If you know someone who has had too much to drink, and may need medical attention, please call 911 right away. It is better to be safe than take a chance of suffering injury or even death from alcohol use.
For more information about Cal Poly Health and Counseling resources regarding alcohol abuse, please visit the Health Center web site at www.calpoly.edu/~hps
If you are experiencing difficulty in coping with feelings of sadness, loss or anxiety, please don't hesitate to contact Cal Poly Counseling Services at 756-2511. Our Counseling Center staff stand ready to offer you their support. In the community, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County is also a helpful source of support, providing free grief counseling for individuals as well as groups. They may be contacted at 544-2266.
In closing, as we mourn the loss of Favian, Carson and Frances, and hold their families in our hearts, please do all you can to stay safe and to watch out for your friends and classmates.
Sincerely,
Warren J. Baker
President