My professional world has been turned upside down. Yesterday, Dr. Slattery, the chair of the Stevenson Mathematics Department since 2005, was killed in an eight-car accident in Ohio. Her two sons (16 and 12) were in the car with her when it was rear-ended by an out-of-control semi and smashed into the back of another semi. One sustained a pelvic injury and is in fair condition, but the other sustained brain injuries and may not survive.
We had a brief ceremony this morning at the opening faculty-staff conference, and I don't think I've ever heard so large a crowd remain silent for so long a time. With one other math faculty member on sabbatical, there are only three full-time math faculty members available at the moment, and I don't even want to begin to think about how we're going to pick up the pieces. With the school year starting on Monday, though, we will have to move forward. For the moment, please keep Dr. Slattery, her sons, and her family in your thoughts and prayers. I will update with any new information about the boys' condition.
I appreciate your account of today's conference at Stevenson. I know Susan though her boy's school and through boy scouts. She and her husband, Ed, have had an incredibly positive impact on this community and it is great to see everyone coming together for them. Let us know how we can participate and be supportive of Stevensons's efforts to commemeorate Susan's teaching legacy and support the university community as it deals with this loss.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear! :(
ReplyDeleteHow terrible. The kids are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteChris:
ReplyDeleteTragic! Our thoughts are with you, the Slattery family, and Stevenson University.
Joe.