An Update on Safety, Transportation, and Remembering Mutahir Rauf

Loyola Community,

In response to the tragic event that took the life of student Mutahir Rauf on Friday evening, I have met with leaders in numerous University departments to discuss the safety of our students, on and around our campuses, and how we can support our students, and each other, as we grieve Mutahir’s death. Below, please find updates from Campus Safety, Campus Transportation, and Student Development.

Campus Safety
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) continues to investigate Mutahir’s murder and has increased area patrols with both marked and unmarked vehicles. Chief of Police and Director of Campus Safety Tom Murray and his staff are working closely with the CPD, who are actively following any leads they receive and working to identify the perpetrators who shot Mutahir.

In terms of Loyola’s Campus Safety response to this event, Chief Murray has increased the number of officers on each shift, assigned an additional marked vehicle from the Water Tower Campus, and two additional officers have been assigned to walking detail on Sheridan Road, from Devon to Bellarmine Hall (6628 N. Sheridan Road), from 3–9 p.m. 

Campus Transportation
Service for the University’s 8-RIDE was extended, beginning Sunday evening, December 7. This extension includes additional vans, an extra dispatcher on duty, and full 8-RIDE service until 4:30 a.m. (not just late-night Information Commons pick-ups). This extended service will run until 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17.

Student Development
Wellness Center, Campus Ministry, and other Student Development personnel are available to anyone who would like to talk about this tragedy or other concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a staff or faculty member if you are in need of services of any kind.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that we will hold a public memorial service on Tuesday, December 9, at 10 a.m. in the Jo Ann Rooney Hall. We will be joined by members of Mutahir’s family at this service, and the family has also set up an online obituary that commemorates Mutahir’s life. For those interested in providing donations to help offset the family’s burial expenses, a fundraising website has been set up.

I hope you will be able to join us at the memorial service for Mutahir. Additionally, I encourage you to attend the University’s Interfaith Prayer for Non-Violence service at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, December 10, in the Jo Ann Rooney Hall. Students from an array of faith traditions will offer prayers for peace and an end to violence.

Please keep Mutahir and his family in your prayers, in a special way, during this very painful time for them and our entire Loyola University Chicago community.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
President and CEO