May 19, 2008

Dear Smith School Colleagues, Students, Alumni and Friends,

As the Chinese nation joins in official mourning from May 19- 21 for the victims of the May 12 earthquake that hit China's Sichuan Province I would like to request we all take a moment to reflect on this terrible tragedy and its impact. This is an event that has caused great heartache around the world. At last count, more than 34,000 persons are confirmed dead and fears are that the total could reach as high as 50,000 once the final excavation is complete in the areas hit hardest. 
 
The Smith School has a significant Chinese community in College Park and programs in China, so our heart goes out to all, particularly those who have been directly affected. On both sides of the globe, the Smith School community has been aggressively engaged in raising funds in support of relief efforts. Chinese students in College Park quickly mobilized a fundraising campaign, and the Smith program in China also raised money from alumni, students and staff. It is a sign of the strength and compassion within the global Smith community that members from all corners of the globe have united in support of these efforts. 

As affected communities in China are faced with the daunting task of rebuilding, the Smith School in China, in cooperation with The Library Project, will launch a campaign to raise funds to build new libraries in the devastated areas in China. Those interested in offering their support to the Smith-Library Project program can do so by contacting Sally Zhao at the Smith China office at szhao@rhsmith.umd.edu .

I speak on behalf of the entire Smith community, when I say we are joined in solidarity and mourning with the Chinese people, in sad reflection of the many, recent tragic losses. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
 
Sincerely, 

Howard Frank
Dean
University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business