Dear University of Miami Community:

Ninety-two years ago today, the University of Miami held its first student assembly a scant four weeks after the Great Hurricane of 1926 devastated our young city. This community has learned first-hand that sustained recovery can be complex and that a variety of diverse needs emerge over time.

Just last week, Hurricane Michael claimed lives, displaced thousands of families, and leveled huge areas across the northwest Florida Panhandle, before moving northward as far as Virginia. The scenes of destruction have moved us all, and many in that area continue to struggle, lacking even basic needs.

Please join me, as the strong and generous community that we are here at the University of Miami, to do what we can to support our neighbors in North Florida. We particularly hold our university friends at Florida State University and Florida A&M University in Tallahassee in our hearts and minds. Many of their employees and students were affected by this disaster, and the universities are doing their best to resume studies and campus life.

Last year, when we were targeted by Hurricane Irma, our neighbors to the north were among the many communities who reached out to support those in need in South Florida. We seek to extend the same generosity through the most appropriate and reliable channels.

In addition to donating to the Florida Disaster Fund or through the American Red Cross, some may choose to donate directly to university relief funds. Please visit the Seminole Emergency Relief Fund to directly aid FSU students, faculty, and staff in need. FSU has also established the Seminole Emergency Relief Fund — Panama City for its Panama City campus, which was particularly hard hit. To learn how to support the “FAMU Cares” Hurricane Michael Relief Drive, please call (850) 599-3000.

Let us do what we can to support our Florida neighbors who remain in need.

We Are One U,