We would like to commence this letter by recognizing the tremendous response of the student body who has pledged its support to place a memorial on campus honoring the students who have passed away this academic year.

Having met with the family and friends of the deceased students, it became evident to us that a memorial needed to be established celebrating the lives of these students. Every year the Office of Student Affairs holds a memorial service at University Park honoring all deceased students, faculty and administrators, and also alumni at all Penn State locations. Given the overwhelming response and media attention to the deaths at this campus this year, we see the need for a living memorial honoring the lives of fellow University Park students.

Initially, we were pleased by the university's unspoken support of planting a tree along with a plaque with the names of those we have lost this academic year. Unfortunately, after months of communication we were informed yesterday that no such support would be given by the university, specifically, by the Office of Student Affairs. It is unclear as to why the university will not support this endeavor. This is a disservice to the students, their friends and family, and the Penn State community as a whole. This is too far sensitive a topic to be sufficed with administrative runaround and bureaucratic rhetoric. Back in January, we, as student leaders, pledged our support in assuring that our fellow students' lives would be memorialized. We reaffirm our commitment to our fellow Penn Staters and will not be brushed aside by the administration on such an imperative issue.