Dear IC Alumni and Parents:

As the Eastern seaboard begins the slow process of rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy, we have begun to hear from alumni, students, their parents and families, and many others about the storm's incredible power and widespread devastation.

I can report that Ithaca and surrounding areas in upstate New York were largely spared the worst of the extreme weather that occurred downstate. The Ithaca College Core Emergency Response Team met before and during the storm, working with local authorities to monitor the situation and ensure that IC was poised to meet any critical needs that might have arisen.

Classes were cancelled on Monday evening as a precaution due to the high winds and rain, but the College resumed normal operations on Tuesday morning. Fortunately, our campus did not sustain any major damage.

This news may be small relief to any members of the extended Ithaca College family who may have lost much because of the storm. Please know that everyone on campus stands behind all those in our community who are in need, and we seek to help in any way possible.

This week we have been moved by heart-wrenching images of suffering and hardship, but also heartened by the many stories of survival, of support, and of humanity that have emerged in recent days. If you were not affected and would like to assist with recovery efforts, I encourage you to support the American Red Cross or any number of other organizations offering disaster relief.

For those who are visiting campus for Family Weekend, we are providing an opportunity to come together in Muller Chapel on Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m. -- an open time for reflection and prayer for the entire campus community.

Again, our thoughts go out to everyone in the affected areas.

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Rochon
President