September 24, 2001

Dear Families of our UAlbany Students:

It is with great sadness that I extend my condolences, and those of the entire University at Albany family, to each of you who have lost loved ones and friends in the horrific tragedy at the World Trade Center on September 11. The effects of this catastrophe are so very far reaching that each of us will be forever changed by these unthinkable acts.

While the pain, horror and sorrow of the past week will remain with us for the rest of our lives, I believe, too, that the kindness, compassion and support shared by all the members of the UAlbany family will give each of us the strength to persevere. The qualities this University family demonstrated in these trying days reflect the very best of our common values and beliefs. Faculty, students and staff stepped forward to do whatever they could, including donating blood and collecting clothing and monetary donations for the Red Cross. UAlbany members of the National Guard units have been activated and six of our Five Quad Ambulance Service EMT's have joined the rescue effort in New York City. Thousands of our UAlbany family joined hands over the past several days in a Candlelight Prayer Vigil, Unity Walk and Memorial Service to remember the victims. In a very real sense, even after our hands separated, our hearts remained as one.

Please know that we stand ready to continue our support of your sons and daughters in the weeks and months ahead as we all struggle to deal with our heartache. As our students return to the classroom following the upcoming break, we will again work together through learning, discovery and service as well as with generous care and support for each other. Grief trauma counseling is available for our students at the University Counseling Center and will be ongoing. We will continue to sponsor and promote campus "teach-ins" on a variety of related topics, such as "Responding to Terrorism: What are the Alternatives?" and "When the Unthinkable Happens ...  How to Help our Friends and Ourselves" as a means of engaging our students in the healing process. And you have my promise that we will continue to be responsive to your sons and daughters as events unfold over the coming months.

If we can offer further assistance to you as you help your sons and daughters cope with this national and personal tragedy, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Holly Barker, our Parent Liaison, at 1-800-4RESLIF or by email at [email protected]. Together, our resolve will enable us to rebuild our lives and our society.

Sincerely,

Karen R. Hitchcock, Ph.D.
President