UO President Michael H. Schill issued the following message to the campus community May 4:

Dear University of Oregon community,

I was deeply saddened to wake today to learn about an act of violence early this morning adjacent to campus. According to the Eugene Police Department, a man was shot and killed around 1:45 a.m. in a parking lot behind Taylor’s Bar and Grill. The scene is secure and there is no threat to campus. We can confirm that the individual who died was not a UO student. I want to express heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.

EPD is taking the lead in investigating the incident, and UOPD will be closely coordinating with and working along side EPD in support. EPD will provide updates in the investigation, and we will appropriately notify campus as information becomes available. I encourage you to sign up for UO Alerts emergency notifications, which is one of the key ways we communicate with the campus community during times of crisis.

Incidents of this nature near campus are extremely rare. Still, acts of violence in our community can be unsettling. Students, faculty, and staff members who may feel unease or anxiety as a result of this incident can seek support through the student Counseling Center or the UO’s Employee Assistance Program.

We cannot let an isolated act of violence like this erode our collective sense of security and wellbeing. The University of Oregon is an amazing community of scholars, and we will continue to do everything we can to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Thank you.

Michael H. Schill
President and Professor of Law