Colleagues,

We begin a new week at Colorado State University fully aware that Colorado remains in a state of emergency, as many of our friends and neighbors today are still stranded, evacuated, or struggling with the loss of their homes, communities, and loved ones. Over the weekend, several students have contacted me wondering how they could help — and how we as a campus community can help — given the monumental scope of this disaster.

The greatest need at the moment is funding to address the immediate needs of flood victims. There are a number of ways you can donate, and any gift — no matter how small — will help.

• CSUCares is a fund supported by members of the CSU community specifically to aid CSU students, faculty, staff, and retirees who are impacted by natural disasters. We anticipate a significant need for this support in the coming weeks. Gifts to CSUCares can be made at https://advancing.colostate.edu/CSUCARES. To apply for assistance through CSUCares, visit https://advancing.colostate.edu/CSUCARES/APPLY.
• A fund has been set up through our local Community Funded organization to support Northern Colorado flood relief efforts and victim assistance. You can contribute at: http://communityfunded.com/projects/rhedrick/northern-colorado-flood-relief/
• We also encourage members of the university community to support the American Red Cross to help people across Colorado and other western states where flash flooding has forced thousands from their homes. You can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• Timberline Church in Fort Collins has served as an evacuation center throughout the weekend and still has a need for volunteers and donations to help those in need. You can sign up at http://www.timberlinechurch.org/.

The University continues to provide whatever assistance we can to emergency personnel as they conduct their rescue and evacuation efforts. Our CSU Extension team has been assisting at the evacuation center over the weekend to provide information, and a list of flood-related resources is online at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/drought/flood.html. You also can follow the latest flood news and information about safe travel routes at safety.colostate.edu. For the latest flooding updates from the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office go to www.larimersheriff.org/press-releases.

At times like this, it’s easy to feel helpless and depressed, and the University Counseling Center and Employee Assistance Program are available to support any members of our community who need counseling services or support.

Most of all, I ask that each of us do what we can to comfort and aid one another over the coming days and weeks, as our state begins its long process of recovery and healing. Every act of generosity and kindness matters — whatever we can give, we should give. Most of all, let’s offer up our thoughts, prayers, and best wishes for those who have suffered losses and for the emergency personnel on the ground and in the air need who need our shared strength and support.

-tony

Dr. Tony Frank
President