The Passing of Fellow Alumnus, State Representative and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman
A Message for Harvard Club of Minnesota President Jordan Weatherby
Dear Harvard Alumni of Minnesota,
It is with deep sorrow that we recognize the tragic news of the loss of our fellow alumnus, State Representative and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, along with her husband, Mark Hortman. Their lives were senselessly taken during this past weekend’s attacks on the Hortmans as well as State Senator John Hoffman and his family.
State Representative Hortman graduated in 2018 from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Master in Public Administration Program. For both those who knew State Representative Hortman and beyond, this heartbreaking event has left a profound impact and we mourn their loss together as both Harvard alumni and Minnesotans.
As we honor State Representative Hortman and Marks’s memory, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the enduring bonds we share and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times. Below is a link to a statement from the Hortman children, published June 16th, in the Minnesota Star Tribune. Notably, the family has asked that if you would like to honor their parent’s memory, please consider the following:
- Plant a tree.
- Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail.
- Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.
- Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it.
- Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone.
- Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something.
- Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace.
Let us stand together in solidarity and extend our compassion to all those impacted by these inexcusable and horrific actions.
In Unity,
Jordan V. Weatherby ‘16
President, Harvard Club of Minnesota
Link to full article: https://www.startribune.com/melissa-hortman-mark-hortman-sophie-colin-family-statement-shooting/601374320?utm_source=gift