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Recent University Of Pacific Graduate Among Those Shot In Movie Theater

STOCKTON (CBS13) - A recent University of the Pacific graduate was among the dozens injured during a shooting at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater during the midnight showing of the latest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises."

Petra Anderson graduated in May from Pacific and was an accomplished music student at the private Stockton college. She is undergoing surgery after being shot multiple times. The suspect, 24-year-old James Holmes, is accused of killing 12 people inside the theater and injuring 59.

The university released the following statement to its student and faculty Friday afternoon regarding Anderson:

To the Pacific Community:

We have learned the terrible news that Petra Anderson '12, who graduated in May as a composition major in the Conservatory of Music, was caught in last night's shooting at a Colorado movie theater. The latest information we have is that Petra is undergoing surgery in an Aurora hospital.

I have spoken with Petra's family and her mother told me that doctors are hopeful that she will recover from her injuries. The family is feeling well supported by friends, family, and the University community. They ask for our continued prayers for Petra.

rehearsal
Petra Anderson rehearses for Heroe's Salute. (source: petraandersonmusic.com)

Petra, a Colorado native, is well known in our University community. She was the 2011 Conservatory of Music Presser Scholar, a national award for outstanding music students. In 2010, she composed and directed the successful "Heroes Salute: A Musical Tribute to Veterans," which was performed in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. She is also well known to students due to her work in the Office of Admissions and as an assistant residence director.

It is difficult for the University community to learn of this kind of violence experienced by one of our own. Counseling is available over the weekend. Since offices are now closed, please contact Public Safety at 209-946-2537 to be connected with after-hours counseling resources or to reach Campus Chaplain Dr. Joel Lohr. For those on the Stockton campus, Morris Chapel will be open until 5pm today.

Having met Petra personally, I know I join all of you in feeling shocked and saddened by what has happened. Please continue to offer your thoughts and prayers for Petra, her family and all the victims of this horrible tragedy.

Elizabeth Griego
Vice President for Student Life

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