Dear members of the Loyola community,

In response to the devastation of the Haitian earthquake, Loyola’s Hope for Haiti task force was formed last week. Loyola’s Office of Mission and Ministry is spearheading this task force to identify relief resources and plan for a sustained aid effort to the island nation and to community members affected by the tragedy. More information about the task force’s efforts can be found on Loyola’s Hope for Haiti blog. Several Loyola students, alumni, faculty, and staff are Haitian or have family members directly impacted by the earthquake.

Many members of the Loyola community know first-hand the suffering and unbearable loss brought on by a natural disaster. The suffering of the people of Haiti, who are among the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, is unfathomable to us. In an effort of solidarity to the people of Haiti, there are a variety of events, prayer services, and fundraising initiatives taking place on campus.

Some examples include a free concert held last week dedicated to Haiti at which audience members could donate funds toward the relief effort and learn ways they can help the Haitian people. The concert was led by Loyola Director of Orchestras and Haitian émigré Jean Montès. This past Sunday, Loyola’s Ignatius Chapel Mass community raised $3,254.25 during collection, which will be donated to organizations with which Loyola has a connection. The concert and Loyola’s relief efforts were highlighted in a television story which ran on WVUE TV last week. There are many other grassroots relief and recovery efforts taking place on campus through classrooms and student groups.

A campus-wide fundraiser, A Hope for Haiti Benefit Concert, is being planned for February 26 in Roussel Hall.

Through all of these efforts, the spirit of generosity among our faculty, staff, and students is a reflection of the Jesuit values we strive to cultivate in a Loyola education.

With prayers and best wishes,