Dean of Students (Waterloo campus) Fall 2019

May 13, 2019
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Dear Laurier Students,

The month of April was a sombre time for the Wilfrid Laurier University community as we came together to mourn the death of two of our students and Leanne Holland Brown, our beloved Dean of Students on Laurier’s Waterloo campus.

These losses were very difficult for all of us at Laurier, especially for our student community that Leanne treasured so dearly. I hope that the incredible show of care and support for one another and the expression of the Laurier spirit has helped you as much as it has helped me, and that through it, we can all take comfort in the knowledge that we will move forward together toward brighter days.

As many of you expressed in your shared memories, Leanne worked tirelessly to support students. She cared deeply, believed and trusted in students, and made them feel comfortable and special. I know that she would want to ensure that you continue to receive uninterrupted care, support and leadership. It is in this spirit that we must now begin the task of trying to ensure that we have a Dean of Students in place for the Waterloo campus when you return to begin your fall term. At that time too, we will join together for an on-campus celebration of Leanne’s life and legacy when the majority of our students are back on campus.

I wanted you to know that I will be establishing and chairing a search committee, which will include undergraduate and graduate student representatives as well as members of other key Waterloo campus stakeholder groups. In keeping with the critical leadership and support role provided by the Dean of Students, we will undertake a national search to secure the strongest possible candidate for this critically important role.

I hope you are well and I wish you all a wonderful summer. Should you require support, please reach out to the following supports in Waterloo, or seek support in your home town:

  • The Student Wellness Centre: 519.884.0710 x3146 or wellness@wlu.ca
  • Victim Services (after hours number): 519.570.5143
  • Here 24/7: 1.844.437.3247
  • Delton Glebe Counselling Centre: 519.884.3305 or glebecentre@wlu.ca

Kindest regards,

David McMurray
Vice-President, Student Affairs