Dear USF community,
It is with profound sadness that I share this update about USF student Nahida Bristy.
A short time ago, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that remains
found in Pinellas County on April 26 have been identified as those of Nahida.
Today’s confirmation brings overwhelming grief. No words can fully capture the heartbreak
surrounding this loss, which is felt deeply across our university. Nahida and Zamil
Limon were exemplary students, building lives, creating community and contributing
to our university in meaningful ways.
We will honor Nahida and Zamil with the dignity and compassion they deserve. Our students,
faculty and staff and the community are invited to come together for an on-campus
vigil at 4 p.m. today at Crescent Hill, located north of the Marshall Student Center.
Please join us as we reflect on the lives and positive impact of Nahida and Zamil.
We also will ensure that Nahida and Zamil are forever part of our community. Their
names will be added to the memorial located on campus for students who pass away,
and they will be recognized during a special memorial ceremony that is held each year.
For anyone interested in supporting Nahida's and Zamil's families, a fund has been
established privately, and information can be found here. USF remains in contact with those who were closest to Nahida and Zamil, and we continue
to work with representatives from the Bangladeshi Embassy and Consulate General to
assist their families during this very difficult time.
We are actively working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office as they investigate,
and we will continue to use every resource available to us to support the pursuit
of justice for Nahida and Zamil. We will share additional updates as appropriate.
Investigators say there is no ongoing threat to the safety of the university community.
The well-being of our students, faculty and staff is always our top priority. University
leaders, counselors and support teams are available to help. Students have access
to TimelyCare 24/7 as well as in-person counseling services on campus. Faculty and staff can access the Employee Assistance Program.
This tragedy is different. Two young lives were taken far too soon and the pain surrounding
these losses is real. Yes, we are grieving. But we are also asking difficult questions
and taking meaningful action. We will continue our review of the conditions and safety
measures that are in place at off-campus housing communities in order to identify
additional ways to better support and protect our students, wherever they live.
The loss of Nahida and Zamil is unimaginable. Please join me in keeping their families,
friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Moez Limayem, PhD
President