Dear Members of the Orange Community:
I write today as the world observes, with great concern, news reports coming out of Ukraine with horrific images of airstrikes, bombings, gunfire and fleeing citizens. During the University Senate meeting Wednesday, I shared that part of my role as Chancellor is to anticipate and prepare for events that will impact Syracuse University. With Russia’s invasion of the sovereign state of Ukraine, I fear we are now facing a very significant moment that will have a ripple effect throughout our community.
These events are distressing for all of us, but especially to our community members who are experiencing this conflict in deeply personal ways. Our university is home to students, faculty, staff and alumni from Ukraine as well as from Russia. They have loved ones who may be in harm’s way. Syracuse University also has many students, faculty and staff that are active-duty military or in the Guard or Reserves. They, and their families, may have their lives changed dramatically on short notice due to the response to this conflict. The economic sanctions and measures being implemented and contemplated between nations could have a significant effect on our university and our people in an environment where supply chains and international travel are already strained.
Our Student Experience team has already reached out directly to our students from the region to offer individual support. Resources, services and supports are available to all students, as well as to faculty and staff. And, I have asked that University leadership and academic experts help our community navigate the potential challenges ahead.
On behalf of our university, I have reached out to our graduate, Borys Gudziak ’80, H’18, archbishop of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, offering our support and concern. I assured him that our university joins all in the world who value peace in condemning the invasion of Ukraine.
As always, our Orange community will come together to support those in need. For now, I ask all of us to offer grace and kindness to students, faculty and staff who are impacted by these events.
Sincerely,
Chancellor Kent Syverud
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