The Wednesday's editorial reflects the care we have for members of the Penn State family when death removes a student from our presence.

The number of student deaths reflects an active, vibrant community of 80,000 students across all locations, with about 45 to 50 deaths per year.

Automobile accidents comprise the largest number, although the university may not learn the specific cause of death, e.g., alcohol or some other factors may play a role in any reported death. Numbers of student deaths have remained fairly consistent over a several year period.

The administration is always responsive to parental grief. We try to assist parents in retrieving personal items belonging to their loved ones. Moreover, we make immediate contact with parents, roommates and friends of students who we know have expired. Counseling services are offered by CAPS to roommates and friends. Residence Life staff help student friends living on campus. Eisenhower Chapel staff in the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs attempt to assist students with loss through our "Learning to Deal with Loss Workshops" offered each semester.

In addition, the Center's Catholic Community has had an annual memorial Mass for students who have died during the year. This past fall semester, the center has expanded the service to a multi-faith memorial service in memory of all Penn State students who have died during the past year. A spring service will be held at noon on April 19 in Eisenhower Chapel. The service will include prayers from several faith traditions, music, and the reading of each student's name followed by the ringing of a bell. Survivor's family members, friends, and acquaintances are invited to attend.

We want to work collaboratively with students who have ideas about how to enhance commemoration of former students. Please contact the chapel office at 865-6548.