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The following message was shared with Loyola University Chicago students:
March 19, 2026
Dear Loyola Students,
We are writing you to follow up on the communications shared this morning regarding the tragic loss of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman. As President Reed said in his community message, our hearts go out to Sheridan’s family, loved ones, and all who knew her.
As a community, it is important that we grieve together and support one another, especially when we have our own fears and concerns. First and foremost, please know that student development, campus safety, campus ministry, faculty and staff, and the Loyola community are here for you. Your safety and that of our entire community is always our top priority. Please take a moment to read the rest of this letter for more important information and resources.
Community Safety
Based on all information currently available, there is no ongoing threat to our campus community. Campus Safety continues to work alongside the Chicago Police Department as the investigation proceeds. If you have any information that may be relevant to this incident, please contact Campus Safety at 773-508-SAFE, or the Chicago Police Department at 911 or 312-744-8263.
As a reminder:
- Our Department of Campus Safety has police officers and security officers patrolling our Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses within our extended boundaries in both marked and unmarked vehicles, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Campus Safety escort services are also available to any student, faculty, or staff member who would like accompaniment while traveling on or near campus.
- Campus Safety works closely with the Chicago Police Department and our officers have regular contact with our local districts and access to CPD’s zone frequencies (radio), which we monitor.
- On campus, there is an extensive closed-circuit video network.
- There are emergency phones located inside buildings and throughout the grounds of our lakeside campuses. Many of the blue light emergency phones on campus have the ability to act as public address systems in the event of an emergency.
- If needed, Campus Safety can also activate Loyola Alert, a notification system that distributes messages to our community via text message, phone, and e-mail.
Lastly, throughout the academic year, the Department of Campus Transportation offers both an intercampus shuttle that runs Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:10 a.m. and an after-hours transportation service called 8-RIDE at the Lake Shore Campus, which you can book by calling 773-508-7433 or using the Tripshot app, 6:30 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. seven days a week.
Mental and Spiritual Care
In this moment of grief, we want to share the ways in which you may access care, support, and community.
Counselors from the Wellness Center and Campus Ministry are present on the second floor of Mertz Hall to provide support for Mertz residents today. All other students are encouraged to visit or call the Wellness Center and Campus Ministry offices, where staff will be available for individual support and community care at their usual locations during business hours.
For support after business hours, mental health providers in the Wellness Center are available 24 hours a day at 773-508-2530.
If you are concerned about a student, please submit a referral to the CURA Network. Led by our dedicated staff in the Office of the Dean of Students, the CURA Network provides comprehensive support, coordination, case management, and resource referrals to respond to student concerns across the university.
Community Vigil
A vigil in remembrance of Sheridan Gorman will be held at Madonna della Strada Chapel on Lake Shore Campus at 7:00 p.m. this evening. We invite all members of the Loyola University Chicago community to come together in reflection and prayer.
The safety and well-being of the Loyola community are always of paramount importance. We are here to care for and support our students and the entire Loyola community, now and always.
Sincerely,
Keith M. Champagne, PhD
Vice President for Student Development
Claire Noonan, DMin
Vice President for Mission Integration
Thomas K. Murray
Director of Campus Safety
Chief of Police