Message to Clark Alumni

by John Bassett

Dear Alumni,

All of us at Clark-like so many others around the country and world-are grieving and struggling with the emotional upheaval caused by the tragedies of this past week. I know that some members of Clark’s extended family have been touched very directly and personally by these attacks. To all of you who have lost friends or family members, or who are waiting to learn about their safety, I offer my condolences and prayers.

Our campus has been as profoundly affected as the rest of the country has been by these events. It will take a long time for us to find ways to balance our everyday responsibilities with the need to heal. As you can imagine, for students away from home for the first time-and particularly for international students who feel their own fears and anxieties for what may happen to their family and friends at a great distance-this has been an especially difficult week. I want to let you know how admirably this community has come together to give aid to victims and their families, and also to lend support to each other. I am proud to see the generosity of spirit, caring, and sensitivity with which so many on this campus have responded.

The Dean of Students and Office of Student Affairs have been especially attentive in offering counseling for students. A community service on Tuesday afternoon and a candlelight vigil the following evening helped all members of the campus come together to express their grief and support each other. Many students have traveled to the local Red Cross facility to donate blood. Faculty members have used their classes to talk with students about their feelings and reactions. Several have suggested a campus wide discussion of the meaning and implications of the week’s events. This will be done in a thoughtful way.

The Clark University Alumni Association is also working to assist Clark alumni to locate classmates or other Clark friends. Please call the Clark University Alumni Affairs Office at 508-793-7166 or e-mail clarkalum@clarku.edu with any questions you may have. You may also check Clark’s Web site for regular updates.

As a Clark alumnus or alumna, you should know that people at Clark are dealing with this profound crisis by showing tolerance and respect for each other. That has always been a hallmark of the Clark community. It remains my profound hope that a Clark education will prepare people to build a world in which this kind of tragedy need no longer happen.

John Bassett

President