A rock approximately the size of a soccer ball was launched into a window of the Academic Success Center at Goshen College’s Harold and Wilma Good Library on Monday. At approximately 7:30 a.m., GC Campus Safety was alerted of the possible act of vandalism. Shortly after, they alerted Goshen Police, who are currently handling the investigation. 

The damage from the incident is limited to one window; the rock shattered the glass of an office cubicle in the back of the ASC. Nobody was harmed but it’s unknown if anyone was nearby when the rock was thrown, since the exact time of the attack is still unclear. 

Police suspect the incident may have been a break-in. The official report released by the department categorized the incident as a burglary; by law, a burglary is breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony.

“They thought that someone may have crawled in through the window, but they weren’t sure,” said Kris RappAfoose, director of campus safety and security. Police found a vape cartridge around the scattered glass and have taken it to be analyzed for fingerprints.

According to the Annual Security and Fire Safety Review, there are 147 cameras on the GC campus. None of these cameras had a view of the area where the crime took place. “They are actually looking into getting cameras for that area now,” RappAfoose said. 

The incident came as a surprise to GC administration as  the campus has been relatively free from crime this year, apart from a few bikes being stolen and a vehicular break-in. It’s still unclear who threw the rock. “I’m hoping maybe that it’s a high school student, middle schooler or even just some community member; I hope it’s not a student,” said RappAfoose. “We have a liaison with the Goshen police department. They will probably keep me updated, but I haven’t heard anything yet; we are still in the early stages of the investigation.” 

The Goshen Police department released the following public record to the media: “Officers were dispatched to Goshen College, located at 1700 S. Main St., in reference to an unknown person damaging a window on one of the buildings. A report was taken.” 

Police did not comment on a motive for the crime, or any suspects. Police also did not confirm the time of the crime.

Eva Carlson, a first-year journalism major, said, “I’m concerned that something like that could happen somewhere else on campus.” Other students voiced their agreement.

On the anonymous college social app Yik Yak, students cracked jokes about the burglary. “Whoever threw that rock into the ASC is clearly not an academic weapon,” one user posted. “Nope, just an earthly one,” another replied.

The police did not disclose the estimated cost of the damage and GC administration has not disclosed a number at this time.

Despite the break-in, the Good Library and the ASC remain available.

“We had to close down … for a few hours while the scene was processed and cleaned, but students were back in by 11 a.m.,” Michelle Blank, director of academic success said. The ASC is back to normal operating hours, and is open to advising.

“Thankfully, everyone is safe, the damage is fairly minimal, and most importantly the space is open to students,” Blank said. “Campus safety and the Goshen police did a fantastic job.” 

If you have any information about who may have committed this act, please contact Campus Safety at 574-535-7599 or by email at safety@goshen.edu.