ASU offers support to China earthquake survivors

EDITOR'S NOTE: Following is a message from ASU President Michael Crow to the ASU Community.

To the ASU Community:

Arizona State University, as the sister institution of Sichuan University, is committed to helping its friends and colleagues in the aftermath of the severe earthquake that occurred in Sichuan Province on May 12, 2008. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to all those affected by this tragic event, especially those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods. The scale and scope of the damage are still being assessed, and the Chinese government, and local and international NGOs, are working intensely to advance relief efforts in this area.

Many organizations are focused on providing for the emergency needs of those impacted by the disaster, specifically food, water, shelter, health care, and rescue. ASU is engaged actively in this urgent support, and anticipates the significant, longer-term future needs of the region. Some of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake are desperately poor and many families have been left without the means to support themselves.

Many Sichuan University students have experienced dramatic personal losses and their futures, as well as those of their families, are uncertain. In support of these members of our extended Sun Devil family in Chengdu and Sichuan Province, we have established a fund to aid these students and their families during this difficult time, and we are working with Sichuan University and our counterparts in the City of Chengdu and in Sichuan Province to ensure that our assistance will be directed where it is most needed.

I write in the hope that our university community will come together, as it has in the past, and contribute to the Sisters of Sichuan Fund for Disaster Relief. We will report regularly on the funds raised and the families aided by your generosity.

Checks can be made payable to the ASU Foundation, Sisters of Sichuan Fund and mailed to the ASU Foundation, PO Box 2260, Tempe, Arizona, 85280-2260.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and your willingness to help during this critical time of need.

Sincerely,

Michael Crow