Message to the Community

The following message was sent to the campus community Saturday evening.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

It is with great sadness that I write to you tonight to notify you of the tragic death of a Syracuse University student.

Xiaopeng Yuan, a native of Beijing, China, was a student in the College of Arts and Sciences. A junior studying mathematics, Xiaopeng was the victim of a terrible crime that occurred yesterday in the Town of DeWitt.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is working closely with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office and DeWitt Police on this investigation, which remains ongoing at this time. DPS officials believe this crime is an isolated incident and there is no threat on or around the Syracuse University campus.

I join Chancellor Syverud, and the entire community during this painful time, in extending our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him. Our thoughts are with all of those grieving his loss.

This is a time of great sorrow for the entire University community. As we mourn together, a variety of services are available to students, faculty, and staff. Students seeking support can contact the Counseling Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 315.443.4715. Additional services are provided by the Office of Student Assistance, Monday through Friday, by calling 315.443.4357. For faculty and staff, assistance is available through Carebridge, the University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program. Trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached at 800.437.0911.

For additional support and services, the campus community can contact Hendricks Chapel at 315.443.2901 or visit the chapel website for chaplaincy contact information.

With sadness,

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz
Senior Vice President and Dean
Division of Student Affairs