October 19, 2012

Dear parents, students, and members of the Saint Mary’s College community:

On Thursday evening, October 18, Saint Mary’s College suffered a terrible loss in our community. Ziqi Zhang of Jiangsu Province, China, a sophomore, died in a bicycle versus car accident outside the main entrance of the College. She was just 19 years old and a resident of Regina Hall. Ziqi was enrolled in the dual degree engineering program, working toward a mathematics degree at Saint Mary’s and an engineering degree at the University of Notre Dame.

On behalf of the entire Saint Mary's College community, I want to express our shock and deep sorrow at the passing of Ziqi. We offer heartfelt condolences to her parents and sister and our prayers are with them. Death is never easy, especially when it is a young person with so much promise.

A memorial service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., Tuesday in Regina Chapel. Ziqi will also be remembered at a 9 p.m. Mass Sunday in Regina Chapel.

Since last night, tending to Ziqi’s family and the well-being of all of our students has been the College’s first priority. Our counselors, Residence Life staff, and Campus Ministry staff have been available to Saint Mary’s College students. Many students are returning to campus after fall break today and this weekend.

As students, faculty, and staff process this painful experience, we encourage anyone needing personal assistance to make use of available resources.

Students who feel they need to talk to someone may contact the following offices:

  • Women’s Health Center (counseling) at (574) 284-4805
  • Campus Ministry at (574) 284-5382
  • Residence Life and Community Standards at (574) 284-4522
  • After 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends, students are instructed to contact Campus Security at (574) 284-5000. A dispatcher will connect students with appropriate personnel.

Employees can access free and confidential counseling services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Please keep Ziqi, her family, and Saint Mary’s students, faculty, and staff in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Carol Ann Mooney,
President