Third UNLV shooting victim identified news” : “UNLV Professor Naoko Takemaru Identified as Victim in Campus Shooting

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Headline: Tragic Shooting Claims Lives of Esteemed Professors at University of Nevada Las Vegas

Subheading: UNLV Mourns Loss of Head of Japanese Studies Program, Naoko Takemaru, in Campus Shooting

LAS VEGAS – The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) community is devastated by the untimely demise of Associate Professor Naoko Takemaru, 69, who served as the head of the esteemed Japanese Studies Program. Tragically, she was one of three faculty members who lost their lives in a horrifying shooting incident that unfolded on Wednesday morning.

According to the Clark County coroner’s office, Takemaru succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Known for her passion for teaching and her expertise in Japanese language, culture, and business, she was a beloved figure in the university. Her contributions extended beyond the classroom, as she authored the critically acclaimed book, “Women in the Language and Society of Japan: The Linguistic Roots of Bias,” published in 2019.

Takemaru’s commitment to her students and the academic field was recognized with the prestigious William Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching from UNLV’s College of Liberal Arts. Her dedication to fostering a deep understanding of Japanese culture and language will be sorely missed by the university and the wider academic community.

The shooter, identified as 67-year-old Anthony Polito, unleashed terror in Beam Hall, the home of the Lee Business School, where the tragic incident took place. Alongside Professor Takemaru, two other esteemed educators lost their lives in the senseless act of violence. The victims have been identified as 39-year-old Patricia Navarro Velez and 64-year-old Cha Jan “Jerry” Chang.

Authorities have revealed that Polito had faced multiple rejections for positions at various Nevada universities and had maintained a “target list” in his Henderson apartment. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill shared this disturbing information during a press conference on Thursday, shedding light on the motive behind the attack.

The UNLV community is grappling with shock and grief as they remember the lives and contributions of these exceptional professors. The university administration, faculty, and students are uniting to provide support and resources for those affected by this tragic event.

As news of the shooting reverberated across campus, the outpouring of condolences and remembrances flooded social media platforms. Colleagues, students, and friends shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting the impact these professors had on their lives and the invaluable knowledge they imparted.

The university is working closely with law enforcement to fully investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the campus community. Counseling services have been made available to students, faculty, and staff as they navigate through this difficult time.

This senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the academic community, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and a collective effort to address the underlying issues that contribute to such tragedies.

As the UNLV community mourns the loss of these exceptional educators, their legacies will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives they touched and the knowledge they shared..