Post published:February 17, 2023

A Message to Our Alumni Following the Campus Tragedy

Dear College of Arts & Letters Alumni, Family, and Friends,

Please join me first in pausing here to bring attention to your breath, so we can gather energy, care, and strength to send to the victims, their families, and everyone who is suffering in the wake of the devastating tragedy that took place on our campus this week. Our hearts are broken. Our community is grieving.

Many alumni, parents, and friends of the College have reached out to us over the last few days and asked, “How can I help students?” and “How can I support campus and the East Lansing community?” Thank you for your care and concern. Here are two ways you can help:

Ways of Support and Involvement

During this challenging time, many students, faculty, and staff could use encouragement as they navigate through such uncertain times. Sending words of support can be uplifting. The burden of the current crisis weighs heavily on students and their families, so support from the broader Spartan community can remind them we are all here for one another. If you are interested, please visit go.cal.msu.edu/spartanstrong and share a message with our students and campus community.

In addition, the MSU Alumni Office put together a survey about ways you may become involved in supporting our community. The Alumni Office will review survey responses to help identify interested Spartans as various requests and opportunities emerge in the future. Please visit go.cal.msu.edu/msusurvey for more information.

Financial Assistance to Our Students

MSU has remained dedicated to providing short-term financial assistance to students in danger of withdrawing during a semester due to unanticipated, temporary financial hardships resulting from an emergency or crisis. Here in the College of Arts & Letters, we have an emergency fund for such hardships. This fund may be used for essential academic expenses, safety needs, and travel costs related to a personal, family, or community emergency. If you are looking for a way to help financially, we encourage you to consider the College of Arts & Letters Emergency Fund.

As we begin to heal, let us express our deep gratitude for the inspiring messages, letters, and outreach you have already sent to our students, faculty, staff, and East Lansing community. Your dedication, thoughts, and care comfort and buoy us as we navigate this tragic time.

With grief and sorrow,