POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam continues to mourn the loss of a student. The college will fly its flags at half staff this week, in memory of Elizabeth Howell who was killed Friday night.

SUNY Potsdam announced that all classes have been canceled today, Feb. 21, to allow students, faculty and staff space to process the trauma, to support one another, and to remember Beth, said Dr. Phil Neisser, officer in charge at SUNY Potsdam.

Counseling resources have been made available to in need, a dedicated memorial space is open on campus and safety escorts are available to students who request them.

To read about the Massena man charged with murdering Howell, see story here. For information about the homidice investigation, visit here.

Dr. Neisser released the following statement to the campus community:

"As we continue to mourn the loss of one of our own, we wanted to update the campus community on upcoming events and opportunities to support one another through this tragedy.

"SUNY Potsdam will fly our flags at half staff this week, in memory of Elizabeth Howell ’22.

"As a reminder, all classes have been canceled for Monday, February 21, to allow our students, faculty and staff space to process this trauma, to support one another, and to remember Beth.

"The Hosmer Hall lobby remains open as our dedicated memorial space, for all who wish to remember Beth and reflect on her life. Campus community members continue to fill the Hosmer Gallery area with flowers and mementos, and we invite everyone to sign and post a card with your thoughts and condolences, which we hope to ultimately share with her family.

"The College Counseling Center will offer drop-in support again tomorrow for students, from 1 to 5 p.m. at The Crane School of Music, in Bishop Hall Room C107. Instructor Tracy Wanamaker will also join to lead drumming and breathing interventions to tap into musical therapy to help students cope. No matter how you have been impacted—whether you knew Beth personally, are having past trauma resurface, or are just feeling the stress of this shocking event, you are welcome to join and get support.

"While some previously scheduled events have been rescheduled due to these tragic events, many campus spaces are remaining open to allow students to connect and find balance. The following facilities will remain open for their typical weekday hours on Monday: Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex, Lougheed Learning Commons, and Barrington Student Union (including Pete’s Place)

"There will be a musical reading session open to anyone who wishes to participate or observe in honor of Beth on Wednesday, February 23, at 7:30 p.m., in Hosmer Hall, followed by an opportunity to gather in the Hosmer lobby memorial space. We will share more information tomorrow, and hope you will join us to remember Beth through the power of music and togetherness. Additional events to honor Beth’s memory are also being planned for later in the semester.

"While the suspect has been arrested, and there is no ongoing threat, we are aware that the events of this past weekend have been deeply unsettling. Please remember that University Police can assist with safety escorts to help students get home if you feel unsafe for any reason. To request assistance, call (315) 267-2222. You can also utilize the safety timer function in the Rave Guardian campus safety app, which alerts a friend or family member if you haven’t made it to your destination as expected.

"While we all struggle to make sense of this senseless loss, please know that you are in my thoughts. The SUNY Potsdam family comes together even in times of adversity, and we are here for each other more than ever now. Thank you for treating one another with care and compassion through these trying times.