Chancellor Wiley’s message on the earthquake tragedy in China

Members of the University of Wisconsin–Madison community:

As the UW–Madison community grows more globally interconnected each year, tragedies such as the devastating earthquake that struck southwest China this week are felt here on a more deeply personal level. My heartfelt condolences go out to colleagues, students, alumni and friends from China who are coping directly with the trauma and uncertainly of this unfolding disaster.

The university is honored to have outstanding exchange relationships with China. In addition to nearly 700 international students from China studying here, UW–Madison has hundreds of faculty and staff and more than 700 alumni living in the country. We also see more than 100 students taking advantage of study abroad programs in China each year, from durations of one month to a full year. Our 2007-08 students from those programs are all safe and accounted for.

We have reached out directly to our Chinese study-abroad students and have encouraged them to contact our International Student Services program for any assistance or support they may need. The service office can be reached at (608) 262-2044.

When disasters at home and abroad occur, such as the China earthquake and the recent cyclone that struck Myanmar, many of us feel a strong impulse to help in some tangible way. One of the best methods is to support the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which provides both immediate relief and long-term support in helping victims cope and recover from disaster. The Red Cross honors donor intent, meaning that your donation will reach its intended source.

For more about giving to the Red Cross, visit the organization’s Web site hor call 1-800-HELP-NOW.

Sincerely,

Chancellor John Wiley