UNLV shooting victim 3 ID” : “UNLV Shooting: Naoko Takemaru, Head of Japanese Studies Program, Identified as Third Victim

Accident – death – Obituary News : LAS VEGAS — The Clark County coroner’s office has officially named the third professor who tragically lost their life during the unfortunate incident at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) on Wednesday. The victim has been identified as Naoko Takemaru, a prominent figure within the university’s Japanese Studies Program. The coroner’s office has confirmed that Takemaru, a 69-year-old resident of Las Vegas, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

As the head of UNLV’s Japanese Studies Program, Associate Professor Naoko Takemaru played a vital role in overseeing and shaping the program. With expertise in Japanese language, culture, and business, she offered upper-division classes that delved into these subjects. Her contributions extended beyond the classroom, as she authored the noteworthy book titled “Women in the Language and Society of Japan: The Linguistic Roots of Bias,” published in 2019. This publication shed light on the biases prevalent in Japanese society, particularly pertaining to language.

Takemaru’s dedication and excellence in teaching did not go unnoticed. She was honored with the prestigious William Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching, an accolade bestowed by UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts. This recognition highlighted her exceptional abilities as an educator and the positive impact she had on her students.

The devastating incident on Wednesday claimed the lives of three professors, with Takemaru being one of the victims. The shooter, identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, targeted Beam Hall, where the Lee Business School is located, and carried out the attack. Alongside the tragic loss of three faculty members, another individual sustained injuries.

Authorities have revealed that the shooter had faced repeated rejections from various positions at universities in Nevada. Furthermore, law enforcement discovered a disturbing “target list” within Polito’s apartment in Henderson. These findings shed light on a potential motive for the heinous act that unfolded on UNLV’s campus.

In addition to Naoko Takemaru, the identities of the other professors who lost their lives have also been revealed. They are Patricia Navarro Velez, aged 39, and Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang, aged 64. These esteemed individuals also made significant contributions to their respective fields within UNLV.

The entire UNLV community, as well as the wider Las Vegas community, continues to grieve the loss of these three esteemed professors. Their dedication to education and their impact on countless lives will be sorely missed. As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, it is crucial to remember and honor the legacies of Naoko Takemaru, Patricia Navarro Velez, and Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang.

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