85 Seconds of Silence

On Friday, November 8, our campus will join the greater Butte County community in observing a remembrance of the devastation of the 2018 Camp Fire, which changed our community forever. 

At 11:08 a.m., the Trinity Hall bells will chime to begin 85 seconds of silence commemorating the 85 lives lost in the fire, with the bells chiming once again to conclude the remembrance. Around campus, there will be a number of designated gathering sites, including the flagpole in front of Kendall Hall, for those who would like to mark the event in community with others. Faculty teaching at that time may choose to observe the silence with their students, delay the start of class, or grant leniency to students who may wish to arrive late so that they can partake in a communal gathering. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to allow staff reporting to them to participate within the limits of safety and necessary office coverage and service.

I know that this anniversary will be a difficult one for so many in our campus community and beyond. This observance is intended to provide an opportunity to express shared grief and mutual support while respecting those for whom any recollection of that day is painful. We appreciate all flexibility in accommodating the various ways people will mark this day.  

Following the 85 seconds of silence, Selvester’s Café-by-the-Creek will be available for those affected by the fire who wish to gather with others.  

We are grateful for your sensitivity around this event and your dedication to the students, staff, and faculty for whom this will be a difficult day. As this past year has shown, we are a compassionate and resilient community. Together, Wildcats rise.