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Over the past week, the entire world has focused on the unprecedented devastation caused by the tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. Current reports place the causalities in excess of 155,000, affecting Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Somalia, Kenya and Seychelles.
The world community is rallying support for the millions of survivors. Yesterday, President Bush appointed former Presidents Bush and Clinton to lead the U.S. campaign to raise funds.
Here on our campus, we have established a simple way by which our faculty, staff and students can support the relief efforts through a donation to the American Red Cross c/o Tsunami Relief. The Cal Poly Pomona Federal Credit Union at the Bronco Student Center or the University Advancement Gifts Processing office (1-211) are locations where checks can be dropped off. In addition, the credit union will provide ways for members to transfer money from existing accounts. University Advancement will then forward all accumulated funds to the American Red Cross through the end of January.
With the possible exception of Sociology Professor Faye Wachs, who miraculously survived the tsunami in Thailand, few of us can really fathom the devastation of this natural disaster. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims and their families. If you or your family has been impacted by this disaster, please let me know.
Based upon the appeal of Presidents Bush and Clinton, any amount contributed will make a difference. My intent is to establish a convenient vehicle for those of us who wish to donate and have not already identified a procedure for doing so. I hope that this approach accomplishes that.
Thank you for your consideration,
Michael Ortiz
President