Hofstra University

Official Statements Regarding Today’s Tragic Events

From President Rabinowitz:

The Nassau County Police have notified us that early this morning a Hofstra student was killed during a tragic crime which took place in a rental house off campus. The police investigation is ongoing, and we do not yet know all of the relevant details. What we do know is that a young member of the Hofstra family has been taken from us in a senseless act of violence. Our hearts and minds and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, her friends, and her classmates. While our hearts are laden with grief, this weekend’s commencement ceremonies will go on as scheduled. The accomplishments of our graduates must be recognized, and together our community will heal and find the strength to move forward.

From Hofstra Student Affairs: 

The Hofstra University community is deeply saddened by the loss of Andrea Rebello, a junior public relations major, earlier this morning.  All flags will be flown at half-staff in honor of Ms. Rebello’s memory.  This is a difficult day for all of us. 

The division of student affairs will be available tonight to assist the community in the aftermath of this tragedy.  We invite you to join us for an informal community gathering from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room located in the Student Center.

As always, please know the division of student affairs offers counseling and support services for students who wish to talk about their feelings or concerns.  Contact information can be found below:

Student Counseling Services:  Please call (516) 463-6791.  If you are experiencing an emergency during non-business hours, please contact Hofstra’s Public Safety office at (516) 463-6789, and they will put you in contact with a crisis counselor immediately.  More information can be found here.

Residential Programs Staff:  If you are a residential student, you are encouraged to speak with your Resident Director or your Resident Assistant who can assist in connecting you to supportive campus resources.

Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services Staff:  If you are a student living off campus please do not hesitate to contact Anita Ellis, Director for Off-Campus Living and Commuting Student Services at Anita.Ellis@hofstra.edu, who can also assist in connecting you to supportive campus resources.

Interfaith Center:  Members from the Interfaith Center are available for spiritual support and counseling and can be reached at deanofstudents@hofstra.edu

In addition, of course, please don’t hesitate to contact the Student Affairs office at 516-463-6933 or at studentaffairs@hofstra.edu.

Sincerely,

Sandra S. Johnson Ed.D

Vice President for Student Affairs

President Rabinowitz’s opening remarks at today’s Hofstra Latin Honors Convocation: 

“I want to begin by expressing our communities grief on the loss of Andrea Rebello. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family, friends and classmates. All of us will look back at graduation weekend 2013 with a sense of sadness. But that’s not all we want you to look back with, we want you to look back with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for your spectacular work. We will get to the convocation in a moment but before that, I ask you to join us for a moment of silence. “