Statement From Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr. on the Freeing Of Heather Mercer And Dayna Curry
WACO - Baylor President Robert B. Sloan Jr. Nov. 14 issued the following statement at a news conference in the Bush-Putin International Media Center that was operating in the McLane Student Life Center on the Baylor campus:
"As you know, two Baylor University graduates, Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, are among eight foreign aid workers who have been held by the Taliban since August 3. Their dramatic rescue today is indeed a happy ending to what has been a tortuous 14 and a half weeks.
"The entire Baylor family rejoices with Heather and Dayna, their families and the scores of Christians - including Baylor students, alumni, faculty and staff -- around the world who have been praying for their release. We are thankful that those prayers have been answered and that Heather and Dayna are being reunited with their families. We look forward to welcoming them back to Waco soon."
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
Heather Mercer, 24, is a 1999 graduate of Baylor University with a degree in German. She had been in Afghanistan since March, working with Shelter Now International, a non-profit relief organization based in Germany. Mercer is a member of Antioch Community Church in Waco where she was a leader with the college ministry. At Baylor, she was involved with Baptist Student Ministries. A Waco resident, she is originally from Vienna, Va.
Dayna Curry, 30, graduated from Baylor University in 1993 with a degree in social work. Before she began her association with Shelter Now International, she was a social worker with the Waco Independent School District. A Waco resident and member of Antioch Community Church, Dayna is originally from Tennessee.