January 15, 2010
TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY
Dear Colleagues and Students:
Our entire UCSB family is deeply saddened by the recent earthquake in Haiti, and the devastating loss of life inflicted by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to all the people whose lives have been forever changed by this catastrophe.
The U.S. State Department has set up a toll-free number (1-888-407-4747) for Americans seeking information about individuals in Haiti.
If you have been affected by this tragedy, our campus has counseling services and other resources available to you. Please do not hesitate to e-mail me at henry.yang@chancellor.ucsb.edu if you have questions about where to seek information or assistance.
Numerous charities are accepting donations to help the people of Haiti, including Santa Barbara-based Direct Relief International (www.directrelief.org), the Red Cross (www.redcross.org), United Way (www.unitedway.org), and other agencies.
Our Associated Students Legislative Council passed a resolution on Wednesday in support of the Haitian earthquake relief effort. They have set up an Associated Students Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund to which anyone can donate; in addition to making an immediate initial donation, they have also issued a donation-matching challenge up to $25,000 by January 31. Their statement and information about how to donate are posted at http://www.as.ucsb.edu.
I know that many of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni have already reached out in diverse ways to assist those in need, and I thank you for your generosity and compassion. I am humbled and grateful to be reminded of what a caring community we share.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor