This is the second message from Ithaca College President Tom Rochon. His original statement can be found on Intercom.
We have learned more information about the homicide of one of our students that took place early Sunday morning on the Cornell University campus. Since my prior message, I and other members of our campus community have spent time, both in person and on the phone, with the family members of the two Ithaca College students victimized in the stabbing incident.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Anthony Nazaire, the student who was killed. Anthony was a 19-year-old sophomore majoring in business administration from Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from Brooklyn Theatre Arts High School, and at IC he was a member of the executive board of Brothers4Brothers, a student organization dedicated to empowering men of color on our campus.
The City of Ithaca Police Department is withholding the name of the student who was injured at this time, as that is part of their investigation. They are asking Ithaca College to do the same. We can confirm, however, that the student was treated and released from the hospital.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ithaca Police Department has determined that a large fight took place following a student-organized event on Cornell University’s campus. It was during this fight that our two students were stabbed. The investigation is being conducted by the Ithaca Police Department, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies, including the Ithaca College Office of Public Safety. The perpetrator or perpetrators have not been identified. The investigation is ongoing.
The Ithaca Police Department notes that many witnesses to the incident have come forward already, and they are asking anyone who might have information to contact them at 607-272-3245, or on the tipline number at 607-697-0333. There were multiple motorists and pedestrians in the area at the time, and police are particularly interested in obtaining any video that passersby may have taken.
We have no information at this time that leads us to believe there is an immediate or ongoing threat to our campus. If any members of our campus community have concerns about their safety, they are encouraged to contact the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3333.
Counseling Assistance and Community Gathering
The college is reaching out to those who might need counseling assistance. The lounge in the Circles Community Building is currently open for students seeking immediate support. Counselors and professional staff from Student Affairs and Campus Life will remain present until 9 p.m. Sunday. After that time, students can contact on-call professional Residential Life staff at 607-220-7993 or 607-220-7928.
Faculty and staff can speak to a counselor through the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-327-2255.
A campus-wide gathering will be taking place at 4 p.m. on Monday, August 29, in Muller Chapel. All students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Professional staff, counselors, and chaplains will be present to offer support as we grieve together as a community and begin to process this tragic event.
We will continue to update the campus community as more information becomes available.
My deepest gratitude goes out to the faculty, staff, and students who have been supporting our students affected by this tragedy. Once again, I ask that you please keep Anthony’s family, the student who was injured, and their friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Tom Rochon
President