All of us are shocked by the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. Almost all of the Samford family has been affected by this in some way, and some students, parents and alumni have been directly affected by the loss of homes and other resources. The Samford community is responding in many ways.

Foremost, we continue to remember everyone affected by the hurricane in our thoughts and prayers. Our staff and faculty are ministering directly to campus students from the areas devastated. We are making arrangements for students from New Orleans area universities to study at Samford for the fall semester as their needs may dictate. Our food service operator has agreed to accommodate some of the families that will be temporarily transitioning to metro Birmingham. Our student ministries office is coordinating other relief efforts with the American Red Cross, Baptist disaster relief ministries and other organizations. Samford students, employees, alumni, parents and friends can find updates on these efforts and ways to be personally involved at www.samford.edu.

May the thoughts and prayers of the Samford community be a source of comfort and strength for all of those affected by this disaster, directly or indirectly. We remain alert to ways we might be of help.