Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
I write to express my and the University community's concern and heartfelt sympathy for all who have been affected by tragic events that are transpiring in Mumbai, India. According to news reports, terrorist attacks there by militant groups have killed more than 100 people.
When an intentional act of violence occurs that brings so much tragic and senseless loss of life, we rightly feel a wide range of emotions. While we all are affected in different ways, fear, sadness, anger, and helplessness are all natural feelings and thoughts. During times like this, we come together as a University community to provide comfort and support to each other.
I have been in touch with Patricia Burak, director of the Slutzker Center for International Services, and the staff of the Slutzker Center stands ready to assist anyone who might need help through the U.S. Department of State or international aid agencies in trying to reach missing relatives, or simply would like to talk to someone. Although many University offices are closed over this holiday weekend, you may reach the staff of the Slutzker Center by emailing Director Patricia Burak, paburak@syr.edu, and the Counseling Center can be reached at 315-443-4715. If you need to speak with a chaplain, the Department of Public Safety can connect you to Hendricks Chapel staff if you call 315-443-2224.
We all, as a global community, stand committed to a better world and our work at SU is one of the best ways to accomplish that goal. It is our hope for an immediate and peaceful end to the violence in Mumbai and throughout the world.
Cordially,
Nancy Cantor
