A Message from the President

President Valerie Smith shared the following message with the community on September 29, 2017:

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

For the past several weeks, each day has brought news of the effects of catastrophic natural disasters. Devastating hurricanes have wreaked havoc in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and across other Caribbean islands, U.S. states, and Latin American nations; deadly earthquakes in Mexico, and monsoon flooding in South Asia have taken their toll on human lives, property, and infrastructure. 

Members of our community have displayed deep concern and compassion during these difficult times. Organizers of the chili cook-off that took place earlier this month raised $1800 that went to the St. Bernard Project (SBP). SBP is recognized as a leader in disaster resilience and recovery, with a mission to shrink the time between disaster and recovery. Yesterday, students in ENLACE and SOCA held a vigil in honor of all of the Latin American and Caribbean countries affected by natural disasters during the past few weeks. Following the vigil, i-20, in collaboration with SwatDems, MSA, Swarthmore Conservative Society, and Deshi hosted a Global Disasters Awareness Event and Fundraiser. Those who wish to donate can find suggestions of charitable organizations here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1967130770222436/. Aixa Pomales, director of support services in ITS and herself a native of Guayama, Puerto Rico, has shared the following information for those who are inspired to help: http://www.losambulantes.com/help-puerto-rico/.

I am grateful to the Dean of Students Division, including the Office of International Student Services, Intercultural Center, the Black Cultural Center, the Student Affairs Division, OSE, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, CAPS, and many others for extending their support to community members, especially students, who are affected by these and other disasters. We encourage students to continue to reach out to these offices and other support services as needed. Staff and faculty who require assistance are encouraged to contact Swarthmore’s confidential employee assistance program, Carebridge, at 1-800-437-0911 which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Let us continue to care for each other and offer what help we can to those in need of the most basic resources. 

Sincerely,

Valerie Smith

President