Dear Santa Clara University Community,

With a heavy heart, I share the news of the death of a valued community member last night.

Charles DePue IV (Charlie), was a first-year student from Topanga, CA, studying computer science. We offer our deep condolences to his family, his father Charles DePue III, mother Stacy DePue, and his brothers William and Nathaniel.

Since we learned this news, members of Campus Ministry; Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS); Residence Life; and the Office of Student Life have made themselves available to assist those needing comfort or support.

The university will continue providing Community Spaces for students throughout the day today in three locations:

• Cowell Center - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Campus Ministry (Benson Memorial Center) - 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Multifaith Sanctuary in St. Joseph Hall - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Staff members from CAPS and the SCU community will be available at each location for students to process the impact of the incident.

Students who are in need of assistance are urged to go to any of those locations today, or reach out to any of the resources listed below. Faculty or staff can get information about the Employee Assistance Program from Human Resources at 408-554-4392.

The loss of a dear friend and classmate is very difficult, and our community can be a source of support and strength. We will gather Tuesday at 11:30 a.m in front of the Mission Church for a vigil to remember the gift of Charlie’s life and to offer solace to one another. All are invited to attend the noon Mass following in the Mission Church to pray for Charlie’s family, friends, and the SCU community. Alternatively, those who wish may convene in the Multifaith Sanctuary following the vigil until 2 p.m. Counselors from CAPS and ministers from Campus Ministry will be in attendance at the Multifaith Sanctuary.

As a community of faith, we ask you to keep Charlie and his family in your prayers. May he rest in peace.

 

 

Lisa A. Kloppenberg
Acting President

 

Campus Ministry. Staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4372 or 408-551-1930 and campusministry@scu.edu.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Located at Cowell Center, CAPS is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is reachable at 408-554-4501. Crisis (drop-in) hours are available daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. **All students are reminded that a counselor from CAPS is available for after-hours crisis calls through Campus Safety Services at (408) 554-4441.
Office of Student Life. The Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 408-554-4583.
Residence Hall Support. Students who live on campus may reach out to their Resident Director, Faculty Director, or Spirituality Facilitators for support and assistance.
Students can also contact Campus Safety Services for assistance reaching service providers, especially after hours (408-554-4441).

In addition, below are some off-campus resources along with 24-hour hotline services for those grieving or in need of greater support:

The Center for Living with Dying at the Bill Wilson Center can be reached by calling 408-243-0222 during business hours.
The Contra Costa Crisis Center offers 24-hour grief counseling and can be reached at 1-800-837-1818.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800- 273-TALK (8255), or text Start to 741-741
Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline, confidential service available 24 hours a day at 1-855-278-4204