February 24, 2022

Dear Drexel Students and Colleagues,

Along with many members of our Drexel community, I am alarmed and horrified by Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. As reports of bloodshed and destruction mount, I recognize the fear and anguish felt by members of our Drexel family of Ukrainian descent, especially those with friends and loved ones who are in the direct line of fire.

A global crisis of this magnitude reveals the fragility of democracies and the heightened risk to our peace and security. As a community of scholars, we have a responsibility to activate our knowledge and expertise toward both gaining a more sophisticated understanding of this conflict and supporting all efforts to end it as quickly as possible. As colleagues and friends, we offer our full support to all members of our community — including all Ukrainian Americans, expats, and nationals — who are experiencing physical or emotional distress.

I encourage anyone experiencing personal anguish by this brutal attack on Ukraine to draw upon Drexel's support services. To schedule an appointment with a counselor, students can call 215.895.1415 or email counseling@drexel.edu; faculty, professional staff and graduate students can connect with a live SupportLinc representative by calling 1.888.881.5462.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President