Dear members of the Mount Saint Vincent University community,

We have all watched in horror, the devastation that has been visited upon the Bahamas as a result of Hurricane Dorian. The effects of the hurricane are most unsettling, but what is more concerning still, is knowing of the very personal impact on our Bahamian students and alum.

Our thoughts are with our students and alum at this time, some of whom are currently on campus, and some of whom have yet to join us.

While the Bahamian community in Canada is very strong, I want you to reassure you, our students, that so too is our MSVU community. Please know that we are here to support you – and please don’t hesitate to reach out to the International Education Centre, to Counseling Services, to faculty, to your RRAS, Peer Mentors, Peer Supporters – and your President – we are all anxious to help ease you through this difficult time.

To members of faculty and staff, I would like to encourage you to consider making a donation to the Red Cross – in this way, our collective support will be put to work to provide both immediate and long-term relief to the residents of the Bahamas; this action will again demonstrate that we are never stronger than when we are working together.

To our Bahamian students, as a small – but hopefully helpful step – I would like to host you tomorrow (Wednesday, September 4) at 12:00 noon in the IEC – light refreshments will be available, as will caring members of the MSVU executive team. To each of you I would say, please take care of yourselves and please avail yourselves of the supports that are available to you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mary Bluechardt
President and Vice-Chancellor