Cindy Babington, vice president for student life, addressed the health situation of rising junior John Patton in an e-mail to the student body today.
Patton was found unresponsive Saturday morning, Babington said, was hospitalized and remains in critical condition in a hospital near his hometown of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Patton remained unresponsive after experiencing heart failure Wednesday night.
Babington's e-mail went out Thursday afternoon as Patton's family moved him to an extended care facility "to allow for the possibility of additional healing."
Babington reminded students struggling with the situation to reach out to University administrators and counselors for help.
"It is always difficult to understand when a friend or loved one is seriously ill or hurt," Babington said in the e-mail. "Students who are on campus for the summer, or those who are learning of this news at home, have access to a variety of support resources."
The University will host a community support event Friday at 8:30 p.m. at DePauw's Center for Spiritual Life. The event is open to all who wish to attend.
Students seeking University counselors should call the Wellness Center at 765-658-4268. For emergency situations after 5 p.m., a counselor on call can be reached at 765-658-4261.
The Center for Spiritual Life, located at 500 East Seminary, has staff available for discussion and prayer. Kate Smanik, Director of Spiritual Life, welcomes students to email her directly at katherinesmanik@depauw.edu.
The Office of Student Life in Room 210 of the Memorial Student Union Building can also help support students. Julia Sutherlin and Babington are available by calling 765-658-4270 during daytime hours or by calling the Office of Public Safety at 765-658-4261 after hours.