As I reflect upon the past month, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the profound challenges that have tested our resilience. The devastating tornado that tore through our region has deeply impacted our community – uprooting individuals, damaging our environment, and tragically claiming lives within the greater St. Louis area. Many of our learners, staff, and faculty members experienced prolonged power loss, property damage, displacement, and other hardships. The loss of life within our community is a stark reminder of the fragility of human existence. We mourn those who have passed and extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.
Neighborhoods like DeBaliviere Place, Fountain Park, and The Ville bore the brunt of the tornado’s fury. The destruction of homes and the displacement of families have exacerbated existing socioeconomic disparities, further straining the limited resources available. Our university’s outreach initiatives and partnerships with local organizations have become more critical than ever as we strive to provide support and relief to those in need.
In these trying times, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another, offering both emotional and practical assistance to those affected. In the Office of Education, we are fortunate to have a gift started by alumnus, Dr. Ojemann and his wife, Karen Selboe, to help support WashU Medicine students during such emergencies. This, combined with the thoughtful and creative response of Dr. Cole Schulte, Dr. Nichole Zehnder, Bridget O’Neal, and Amanda Thompson, along with partnership from WashU Residential Life on the Danforth Campus and our WashU Medicine facilities team, has allowed us to rapidly respond and support our students during this crisis. Many others, including our students, staff, and faculty, have helped displaced friends by providing a place to stay, donating food, and assisting with clean-up. I would like to extend my sincere and deep appreciation to all who have served during this time and continue to help in the long rebuilding process that will follow.
Unfortunately, we find ourselves navigating these challenges amidst a backdrop of baseline financial uncertainty and rapidly shifting policies and practices. This is emotionally exhausting and disruptive to many, if not all, of us. And yet, I have confidence that we will overcome. Our strength lies in our collective resilience, our shared commitment to our mission, and our unwavering support for one another. Together, we will navigate these turbulent times, emerging stronger and more resolute in our pursuit of excellence.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your dedication, compassion, and perseverance. Your contributions are invaluable, and it is through your efforts that we will continue to thrive as a leading institution in medical education, research, and clinical care.