President Mason expresses gratitude to faculty, staff members for efforts during flood crisis

	UI president Sally Mason toured flooded areas of campus with state and federal officials—including U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa (at right). Photo by Tim Schoon.

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Your response to the flood of 2008 has been and continues to be magnificent. You have worked tirelessly to protect our campus. You have continued providing essential services throughout this unprecedented natural disaster. You have provided and continue to provide shelter for friends and neighbors whose homes were flooded. You have helped those same friends and neighbors as they begin what will be a long process of grieving and recovery.

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.

Although we are “back in business” with the resumption of our summer session, it will not be “business as usual” for a long time to come.  In the days and weeks ahead, we will face continuing challenges that require us to maintain our resolve and our collaborative spirit. 

• Many of you will be called upon to provide services to our students and others even though you are working from temporary offices and quarters.
• Much work remains to be done to ensure that we meet our commitment to offer a full complement of classes on Aug. 25. I am pleased to note that Vice Provost Tom Rocklin will lead a wide-ranging and coordinated effort in this regard.
• Many members of our community continue to be personally and dramatically affected by the flood. They need our care and encouragement.

Some of you are among those who suffered devastating losses.  I want you know that my heart goes out to you personally, and that the University and community stand ready to help you through the difficulties ahead.  I urge you to visit the list of flood recovery resources we have posted at this web link: www.uiowa.edu/floodrecovery.

As a community, we have amply demonstrated that we can overcome even the most trying challenges. Please know that your efforts to help one another recover from this tragedy are deeply appreciated by campus leaders, Iowans, and alumni and friends across the nation and around the world.

Best regards,

Sally Mason
President