About SIUE

January 20, 2021

Faculty, Staff and Students,

The SIUE community’s thoughts and prayers continue to be with junior nursing student Moneer Damra, who was seriously injured in a random act of gun violence off campus Thursday night, Jan. 14. Moneer continues to receive treatment at a regional hospital.

University administration continues to be in contact with Moneer’s family in support of their needs during this difficult time and is also providing assistance to the other student involved. Our continued gratitude to the Office of Student Affairs and the SIUE Police Department for their efforts in this situation.

Four suspects were quickly apprehended by Illinois State Police that night, and as a result two teenagers are facing felony charges from the Madison County State’s Attorney Office. 

To view a story by KMOV-TV reporter Caroline Hecker, who spoke with some of Moneer’s friends and ROTC classmates, visit kmov.com. Thanks to our School of Nursing faculty, staff and students, and the ROTC for their support.

The SIUE Cadet Club has created a GoFundMe page to help Moneer’s family with medical expenses and other care he may need.

More information that can be shared will be provided as it becomes available.

Please keep Moneer in your thoughts and continue to support each other as we all deal with this tragedy. The following is a list of resources available to members of the campus community:

On-Campus

• To support acceptance, coping and grieving, short-term options are available through Counseling Services, co-located with Health Services in the lower level of the Student Success Center (adjacent to the Morris University Center), suite 0222. By calling x2842, Psychotherapists are available for the following:
  • Crisis Support
  • Individual Therapy
  • Attend on-campus memorial events
  • Facilitate group, classroom, or team discussions/debriefings

Digital

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to access a trained crisis counselor
• Psychoeducational Materials
  • Self-care

Local Community Resources

• NAMI
• Heartlinks

Thank you.

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor   
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs   
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for Advancement   
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration   
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs