Campus saddened by loss of first-year student
Dear Grinnell College campus community:
With great sadness, we share the news that Grinnell College first-year student and Dibble Hall r esident Whitney Hendrickson '12 died yesterday (March 17, 2009) as a result of a car accident in her hometown of Colorado Springs, Colo. Chaplain and Dean of Religious Life Deanna Shorb is in touch with Whitney's family on behalf of the College.
Also in the accident was first-year student and Norris Hall resident Julie Podair '12 of Appleton, Wis. She was not physically injured in the accident.
This tragic event touches our campus community in many ways, and we encourage people to find support in ways that they feel comfortable. Counseling is available at the Poweshiek County Mental Health Center during Spring Break. Students can call 641-236-6137 and identify themselves as Grinnell students to schedule an appointment as soon as possible during business hours. The after-hours and weekend phone number for Poweshiek County Mental Health Center is also 641-236-6137. Additionally, other members of the Student Affairs staff, including those in the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice, are available for support and consultation. After Spring Break, walk-in counseling will resume weekdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the campus Health Center.
A service to celebrate Whitney's life was held at Shove Memorial Chapel at Colorado College on Friday, March 20, at 3:30 p.m. As a college community, we offered support and gathered for comfort in this time of grief. President Russell Osgood and Dean of Religious Life Deanna Shorb attended the services on the College's behalf.
Condolences may be sent to Whitney's parents and siblings at their home address:
1202 W. Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80904-4349
Chaplain and Dean of Religious Life Deanna Shorb will continue to consult with the Hendricksons in regard to an event to celebrate Whitney's life on the Grinnell campus, sometime after spring break. Updates regarding this event will become available on the Grinnell College website, the online calendar, and the Student Affairs website.
