To the Buffalo State Community:
It is with tremendous sadness and a broken heart that I write you today. Earlier this morning (May 6) Erie County District Attorney John Flynn provided an update on the multiagency investigation into missing Buffalo State College student Saniyya Dennis, with the District Attorney’s office stating that evidence suggests that she took her own life during the early morning hours of April 25, 2021 (DA Flynn’s statement is available online). Our entire community had hoped and prayed for Saniyya’s safe return, so today’s announcement leaves us with difficult to process feelings of sorrow.
On behalf of the entire Buffalo State community, we continue to extend our deepest and heartfelt comfort and support to Saniyya’s family and friends. I would ask that our campus and Western New York community keep her family in your thoughts.
Those of us who met Saniyya know her as a bright honors student and a beautiful young women with a big heart and a promising future in her field (mechanical engineering technology). She will forever be a member of our Buffalo State family.
I encourage anyone who is struggling with this difficult news to seek support. Students, please know that our Counseling Center staff is available to help you process this unsettling announcement. Our division of Student Affairs will also be offering our entire campus community an opportunity to gather virtually in a supportive space in the coming days. Faculty and staff should also know that the Employee Assistance Program is available to provide confidential services and support for employees and their families. If you need help, now or in the future, please know there is always someone who can listen.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office will remain in close consultation with our University Police Department moving forward. We thank and acknowledge the dedicated University Police Department and our law enforcement partners for their tireless and professional investigative work during this difficult time.
Please take care of yourselves and your fellow Bengals and keep Saniyya close to your hearts.
With support,
Katherine Conway-Turner
President
Buffalo State College
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