Dear Members of the B C,
The distressing situation in Haiti following the massive earthquake has left us all
searching for ways of getting involved to bring aid and comfort to the people of
Haiti. The urgent need for virtually every category of assistance calls upon us to
respond quickly and decisively. Our community has responded generously and
thoughtfully to humanitarian emergencies in the past, and I am certain that we can
provide creative, effective, and sustained assistance as Haiti begins to rebuild.
Toward that end, I am appointing a committee to coordinate B’s relief efforts and
to make recommendations about further measures the University community can
undertake. Matthew Gutmann, vice president for international affairs, and
Barrymore A. Bogues, professor of Africana Studies, will co-chair the committee,
which will include faculty, administrators, and staff as well as undergraduate,
graduate, and medical students.
Many members of the B C have expressed an interest in providing support to aid
in the relief effort. The University has posted a page ... listing several organizations
raising funds for Haiti. Humanitarian relief agencies are unanimous in pointing out
that giving money is the single most effective course of action in the immediate
aftermath of the January 12th earthquake. Even in these difficult financial times,
I am committing resources to help the committee design ways of raising money that
can be immediately applied to address the most urgent needs.
N E has a large community of Haitian immigrants who have strong ties to family
members, relatives and friends in Haiti. A number of B C members — students,
faculty, staff, and alumni — have lost family members or are anxiously awaiting
reliable information from home. I want you to know that the University is seeking
out and providing support to those members of our community. Please keep them
in your thoughts.
Following its meeting this week, the Committee will report to the community on
the efforts that we are undertaking as a University. This will not be an undertaking
of short duration and we must be prepared to commit to ongoing efforts even after
the initial phase of relief is over. Thank you for your concern for the people of Haiti
and for all that you elect to do to assist them in their time of need.
Sincerely,
R S
