Monash Clayton Campus Incident

Messages of support from alumni and friends

A devastating event, and one which has (as a graduate myself, and with four of my family - two sons and three daughters-in-law, two as graduates and one as a present student at Monash) profoundly affected me. My deepest sympathy to all those who have suffered pain, shock and bereavement. Sincerely, 
Margaret Leggatt (BA(Hons) 1975, PhD Arts 1971)

I don't know the victims, but I sure know that building where I spent most of my studying life at Monash. I'm sure that there are still plenty of people in the economics department who were there when I was, and my thoughts go out to you all, particularly those in the econometrics area. It must be a mind-numbing experience for staff and students alike. I have difficulty comprehending what's happening in the rest of the world, let alone what's happening in our own backyard. I can only hope that time will heal the wounds that are shared by the entire Monash community and the families of those involved. My thoughts are with you,
Deb Rode, (BEc 1994)

I would like to express my deepest sorrow at the tragic events that have taken place at a prestigious University recognised all throughout world. I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of both victims and condemn in the strongest terms this dastardly act that has taken place where great academics have passed through. I am deeply concerned and hope that the survivors will soon recover and pray for their safety and happiness. 
Atula D Jayawardhana (BTech(CompSt) 2001)

To all members of the Monash Community following the shooting on Monday please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

My thoughts also go out to the Engineering Faculty - Staff and Students over the recent loss of Adam Dunning (3rd Year Mechanical Engineering) who died in the Train crash in Benalla Sunday week ago. We lost a fine young man that day. (I was his Deputy Headmaster at Beaconhills College and delivered his eulogy on Monday)
Howard Brown (Part-time tutor, Education Faculty)

Please send my deepest sympathy to the University and all those affected by the shooting event.
Rosie Redston (BA 1991) 

To the students, staff, families and friends touched by the tragic events at Monash this week. You are each in my thoughts and prayers.

May you be comforted in knowing that others are with you, 
- grateful for the many happy memories,
- enriched in the support you are giving each other, and
- inspired by the heroism of those who value what is good, as you have
seen this week. 

Keep on supporting each other. I have very happy memories of my own days at Monash, and know that others are with me in my thoughts for you, and with you.
Mary Stainsby, RSM (PhD Edu 1989)

I was in great shock to learn the shooting incident at Monash on last Monday. My deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences go to the family and friends of those killed and injured in the shooting.
Bahren Siregar (PhD Arts 1988)
Medan, Indonesia

I was shocked to hear the tragic incident which took place on Monday the 21st Oct 2002 at Monash University premises. I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the families of those who grievously affected in the incidents. I also wish to share the feelings of the families of those who got injured at the incident and I pray for their speedy recovery.
H. Sanath Padmasiri de Alwis (MEng Sc 1988)
Sri Lanka

It is a hard time, I know. Despite being a Monash graduate, I never visited the Clayton campus as I was an external student but I do share the feeling with you, the sorrows and the tears. My heart was torn apart, not just because of the incident in Monash but elsewhere in the world.

I send my deepest regards to you all.
Czarina Hui (MPA 1999)
Hong Kong

The response from Monash ex-students since Monday has been incredible. Unseen, and unheard, there are innumerable ex-Monashers who are rallying around each other and wishing you all the support you need, and a speedy recovery to those who need to heal.
Kobi Leins (BA 1995, LLB 2001)

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who were killed, the students injured and the rest of the students and staff at Monash.
Gregor Johnson (BA 1967)
USA

Please pass on my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of those were killed and injured in the incident on Monday,21 October 2002

My prayer for those who were hurt and injured ( both physically and mentally) will get well soon.
Heny Wati (MBA 1996)
Jakarta,Indonesia

I am sorry to hear about the tragedy at Monash and my best wishes go out to all of those affected. I hope that the event is an aberration and that Monash continues to be a safe and supportive environment for all within it. I am thankful to all of those people who bravely intervened and to all those who assisted the victims and the Monash community.
Best wishes and God Bless
Tabatha Pettitt (BSc 1997, LLB 1998)

I am lost at words about what has happened. I can't begin to imagine that such a thing could ever happen in the very same campus where I studied for 3 years and most of all I can't believe this ever happening in Melbourne, which I always regarded as the most peaceful city in the world.

Please pass on my sincere condolences to the families of the victims. I will pray to GOD on Friday at the same time to give peace and courage to the families of the victims.
Balaji

I was really surprised reading your e-mail regarding the shooting incident. When I was studying at Monash Uni in January 1998 to January 2000, nothing like this tragic incident occurred. That impressed on me the peaceful & orderly situation and existing harmonious relationship between and among the population of the uni.

But of course, I would say that this unfortunate event is just an isolated case.

Please convey my condolences and sympathy to the families and friends of the victims.
Nestor A. Lisondra (MEnvSci 2000)
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines

My condolences to the families of both students who have died during the incident a few days back. I would also like to convey my best wishes to the students who were injured during the incident as well.

I, along with my other friends from Monash, express my shock and dismay at the incident which occurred. I am disappointed that this person decided to use brute force and violence in the hallowed halls of an academic institution as a means of solution to a problem that he faced. 

I spent a lot of time in the Ming Wing even though my faculty was at the other end of campus (IT/Engineering) since I took some Econometrics courses at the Business & Econometrics faculty. I recalled that some of my tutes were at the 6th floor too and this sends a chill down my spine when I think about it.

I even took a course with Mr. Lee Gordon Brown and was shocked to learn that he got hurt in the incident when he and Professor Inder subdued the gunman. I hope that he is recovering well from his injuries.

To the many students at Monash, I hope that this will not deter you from your studies. It is a shocking experience nonetheless, but one must learn that violence does not solve any problems. Being civilised people, one must strive to solve problems through dialogue and understanding.

Best regards and God Bless,
Angeline Tan (B Comp 1997)

I was shocked when I heard about the incident at the Monash campus in Australia. May God Bless those who were injured or killed in the incident!!!
Hong Sze Jun

I am shocked by the recent tragedy in Monash, just right after the Bali terror blast. How can this happen in a peace loving community?

I am still in Singapore, and have not set foot on the campus for about 6 years, and the recent event bring back many memories.

My condolences to the victim and their families. For the injured, I hope you recover fully soon. And for the heroes, thank you. Your selfless act saved many lives.

Let us grieve first, then learn from this incident to make sure that it will never happen again. Let us forgive, but not forget, because peace cannot be maintained without vigilance.
Aryanto Sultanry (BComp 1997)
Singapore

To the faculty, staff and students of Monash Uni....

Please accept my condolences for the tragic events that occurred this week. I extend deep sympathy to the families of the young men who were victims of this senseless violence and to those who were injured. I attended the majority of my classes in the Menzies Building between 1974 and 1977....how sad to think those hallways are now tainted by such tragedy. I send my support to all present and former students of this wonderful university....let us not allow these events to overcome what is good in our world. I now teach in the United States but wore wattle this week for your National Day of Rememberance for the Bali victims and included the Monash seal in remembrance of the students. My heart goes out to all of you...
Margaret A. Boland (BA/Dip Ed 1977)
Stow, Ohio USA

Please pass on my condolences to families, friends and students of those killed and injured. Shocking to know something like this could happen on Campus, and on the 6^th floor of thge Ming Wing where I attended so many tutorials.

Well done those who stopped the gunman. You should be given free beer at the Nott for the rest of your life.
Bill Bleakley, Monash Economics and Politics 1970-1974

 Go to the top of the page