May 3, 2021

Dear Members of the Drexel Community,

Although the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have turned a corner in the U.S., it is still a raging global crisis — and nowhere more urgent than in India. The recent news reports and images of the death and suffering in that country have been heartbreaking.

Drexel’s largest group of international students hails from India and we have a vast and valued alumni network in India, a significant number of engaged parents and many Indian faculty. We understand that many students, faculty and professional staff are deeply concerned about their family members and friends in India, and that some have lost loved ones.

As we witness the struggle to rush needed medical supplies to the country, our thoughts and prayers are with those caught in the path of India’s pandemic. We encourage those who can to help in any way possible to support the recovery efforts in the areas impacted by the pandemic, including donating to any of the many reputable charities directing aid to the region, including UNICEF USA, Project Hope, Americares, Care India and others.

On Tuesday, Drexel Student Life, International Students and Scholar Services and the Office of Global Engagement will be communicating with Drexel students from India with specific information regarding the support the University is providing and where they can go to seek help. Students experiencing emotional difficulties during this time can contact the Student Counseling Center for help at counseling@drexel.edu or by calling 215.895.1415, and faculty and professional staff should contact the Employee Assistance Program at 888.881.5462.

We are at our best as a community when we stand ready to help each other, and all those in need.

Sincerely, 

John Fry
President

Paul E. Jensen
Executive Vice President and Nina Henderson Provost and University Professor