(CAMARILLO, Calif.) Nov. 9, 2018 –
The Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) mourns the passing of Moorpark College student Noel Sparks, who was confirmed as one of the victims from the recent shooting in Thousand Oaks. Also among the victims is former Moorpark College student Telemachus Orfanos, who attended Moorpark College as recently as 2010; and Blake Dingman, a Ventura College student. VCCCD and Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura colleges mourn the lives of those lost including Ventura County Sergeant Ron Helus whose heroic actions saved countless lives.
"We are deeply saddened. This incident was an immeasurable loss for our community with a rippling impact felt by all of us," stated Chancellor Greg Gillespie.
Moorpark College students led a vigil on Thursday evening to honor Sparks, Orfanos, and others impacted by this tragedy. "This event brought together students and our campus community as we grieved those who were lost in this tragedy," shared Trustee Bernardo Perez. "We commend the Moorpark College Associated Students for organizing this vigil and helping Moorpark College come together and support one another."
Moorpark College professor Wendi Baity remembered Sparks by saying, "I am completely heartbroken that Noel, this gem of a human being, was one of the victims at Borderline. Noel taught me more than I could ever teach her – she had a gentle spirit and always engaged her classmates. Noel’s honesty and openness touched us all and I am forever grateful that our lives crossed paths."
Health Center professionals continue to provide valuable resources for students, staff, and faculty. Information is accessible through the District’s Health Center webpages:
Moorpark College Student Health Center:
https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/student-services/health-center
Ventura College Student Health Center:
https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/student-health-center
Oxnard College Student Health Center:
https://www.oxnardcollege.edu/departments/student-services/student-health-center
VCCCD and Moorpark College are moved by the community’s support in the aftermath of this tragedy. For media inquiries, please contact James Schuelke with VCCCD at (805) 553-4013 or jschuelke@vcccd.edu.
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