Remembering Borderline, Five Years Ago

Dear Cal Lutheran Community,

Today marks five years since the tragic shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. Borderline was more than just a hangout place; it was a vibrant gathering spot where students from Cal Lutheran and neighboring colleges came together for the joy of music, dance, and companionship. It was where connections were made, relationships were forged, and life was celebrated.

On November 7, 2018, this haven of celebration was transformed into a scene of horrific violence, taking the lives of twelve cherished members of our community. Today, as we mark the solemn anniversary of that heart-wrenching night, we remember each of them by name: 

Sgt. Ron Helus

Blake Dingman

Daniel Manrique

Kristina Morisette

Sean Adler

Jake Dunham

Justin Meek '18

Telemachus Orfanos

Cody Coffman

Alaina Housley

Mark Meza

Noel Sparks

As part of keeping these friends and loved ones in our memories and our lives, I invite you to come together today at 11:15 am at the flagpole. Reverend Sara Wilson will lead us in prayers of remembrance and a moment of silence to celebrate the sanctity of life and the gifts that these friends gave to the world around them.

This gathering will also allow us to acknowledge the agony of losing loved ones to the senseless violence that continues to plague our world. My business travels necessitate that I will join you synchronously but remotely for this solemn activity.

In addition to the flagpole gathering on Tuesday, we will remember these friends and pray for their loved ones during Chapel this Thursday, November 9. Please join us in sending a strong message to families and friends to remind them that they are not alone in their mourning.

To grieve is human; to share and jointly acknowledge our collective grief is a part of being a community. We are on a continued and collective path towards healing. May we live, study, and work together at this place and at this time in ways that make our community, imperfect as it is, stronger, more unified, and more loving with each year that passes. Together, we celebrate life and remember those for whom life was cut tragically short.

In community,