A Message to the Bluefield State Community

Dear Big Blue Family,

The loss of one of our students is a loss felt throughout the entire Bluefield State University community. In recent days, we have grieved alongside the family, friends, classmates, faculty, and staff whose lives were touched by our student, Maleek.

A university is much more than its classrooms, buildings, and programs. It is the people who learn here, teach here, work here, and care for one another. Each student becomes part of the life and story of Bluefield State, and when we lose one of our own, we grieve together.

Throughout this difficult time, I have been deeply grateful for the compassion shown by members of our university community. From those who were there to support Maleek’s family, to those who have reached out to his friends and classmates, our Big Blue family has responded with kindness and care when it has been needed most.

We are also profoundly grateful to the first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and others who responded and worked through an extraordinarily difficult situation.

Our responsibility to one another does not end with the days immediately following a loss. Grief has no timetable. Bluefield State will continue to make counseling and other support available in the days and weeks ahead, and I encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out, whether to a counselor, a friend, a colleague, or someone you trust. No member of our community should feel they have to carry grief alone.

In the days ahead, we will continue to honor Maleek’s memory while surrounding those who knew and loved him with the care and support they need.

To Maleek’s family, please know that you remain in the thoughts of an entire University community. We are grateful that Maleek was part of Bluefield State, and he will remain part of our story.

With deepest sympathy,

Cathy Deeb
Acting President
Bluefield State University