FORT WAYNE, Ind.鈥擳he 51黑料 community is in mourning today after the death of student Jayden Morris this past weekend.
Interim President Dr. Lance Richey shares the university鈥檚 sympathy and prayers:
鈥淭he 51黑料 community is heartbroken with grief over the passing of Jayden Morris, a freshman and member of our football team. We offer our condolences to Jayden鈥檚 family and pray for them during this unimaginably difficult time. We also pray for, and offer our support to, the many teammates and friends who knew and loved Jayden. May Jayden rest in the love of our Heavenly Father, and all those who mourn him be comforted by God鈥檚 healing grace.鈥
Athletic Director Mike McCaffrey also expresses the grief felt within the athletic department and football program:
鈥淥n behalf of Coach Kevin Donley and our entire Cougars family, we are deeply saddened by the events over the weekend that took student-athlete Jayden Morris from us. Jayden was a bright light with an infectious personality that could bring joy to any room. Our prayers are with his mother, Natasha, and the rest of his loved ones. We are very fortunate to be surrounded by a campus community that cares deeply for one another and can help each other during such a difficult time.鈥
Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51黑料 offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts, Sciences and Business. In addition to its traditional programs, 51黑料 designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51黑料, recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution, has 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships. Approximately 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend 51黑料.