For Information Contact:

Sally Ramey
Assistant Director of Media and Publications

678-407-5426 / 770-316-5930
sramey@ggc.edu

November 16, 2015

Georgia Gwinnett College responds to local shooting

The following statement from Dr. Stanley C. Stas Preczewski, president of Georgia Gwinnett College, is
provided regarding the colleges response to a shooting incident that happened near campus this morning.
Earlier this morning, GGC Campus Police responded to a report of a fatal shooting that occurred near the
campus. The alleged shooters description and last known direction of travel indicated a risk to this
campus. Accordingly, the campus alert system was activated and the campus was placed in a lockdown
posture. I was exceptionally pleased with the professionalism and patience of the entire GGC community
while the situation became an extended one. Multiple law enforcement agencies, as of 2 p.m., continued
an extensive search of the area for the person of interest related to the shooting.
Throughout the day, the administration coordinated with local authorities, GGC Campus Police and other
leaders across our campus. GGC maintains excellent relations with our city, county, and state agencies and
we thank them for their mutual cooperation. As information developed, I decided that the risk to the
campus was sufficiently mitigated to allow for the systematic closure of the campus until further notice.
Campus police began to systematically enter and clear occupied buildings and to direct occupants to leave
the area. Residential students were asked to remain within the residence buildings. Meals will be delivered
to the residents in their buildings, and additional security will be provided throughout this situation. All
classes for Monday, Nov. 16, are cancelled.
Extended periods of lockdown in tight quarters carry their own unique challenges given the size and range
of issues associated with a community of 13,000. Yet, by all accounts, the community remained calm and
cooperative. I could not be more proud. The safety and security of the GGC community remain the very
top priority for this administration. Guidance for the reopening of campus will be forthcoming as the
unfolding situation indicates. Please pay close attention to the web site, social media and your email
accounts for details.
Remember, it is never too late to enroll in the GGC Rave Wireless Alert System to ensure you have the
latest information about campus closures and emergencies. See the main GGC website for more details.
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Georgia Gwinnett College

1000 University Center Lane

Page 1 of 2

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Georgia Gwinnett College is a four-year, accredited liberal arts college that provides access to targeted
baccalaureate level degrees that meet the economic development needs of the growing and diverse
population of Gwinnett County and the northeast Atlanta metropolitan region. GGC opened its doors in
August 2006 as the nations first four-year public college founded in the 21st century, and the first fouryear public college founded in Georgia in more than 100 years. Georgia Gwinnett produces contributing
citizens and future leaders for Georgia and the nation. Its graduates are inspired to contribute to their
local, state, national and international communities and are prepared to anticipate and respond effectively
to an uncertain and changing world. Visit Georgia Gwinnett Colleges Web site at www.ggc.edu.

Georgia Gwinnett College

1000 University Center Lane

Page 2 of 2

Lawrenceville, GA 30043