2020 Storm Recovery Update 8-13-20

Dear Grinnellians,

“Post tenebras lux” – [there will be] light after darkness. So reads the motto of the University of Geneva, which I would often see growing up in that city. I share it with you today in the hopes that light, both metaphorical and electric, will come soon, and that you each have some touchstone that is helping you get through this truly trying time.

Emergency operations to ensure food and shelter are now in place and we are prepared to adapt as changing conditions may dictate. And with emergency business operations being supported, the College is now in a holding pattern that can sustain basic needs until electricity is restored. Many thanks to the emergency operations team and senior staff who continue to respond to changing conditions with unflagging energy and ingenuity, and to the many volunteers on campus and in town who are contributing to neighborhood and community recovery efforts.

The physicality of the heat, the soundscape of chainsaws and generators, and the visual impact of our torn landscape have their own impact. For Grinnellians in town: please continue to reach out to each other and to our local resources for support – we are all here for each other. For Grinnellians out of town: words of encouragement and kinship will make a difference – thank you for your outreach and love.

We will get through this: electricity will be restored; there will be light after darkness; our campus and town will rebuild – in the meantime, thank you for looking out for each other.

Onwards,

Anne F. Harris
President

Resources for students (in or out of the State of Iowa):

• Phone counselors are 24/7 available by calling the Need-to-Talk line at (641) 269-4404
• Need-a-Nurse services can be accessed by calling Student Health and Counseling Services (641) 269-3230 and following the prompts
• The Dean on-call can be reached by contacting Campus Safety (641) 269-4600
• Chaplain's Office (641) 269-4981

Resources for faculty and staff:

•  EAP (Employee Assistance Program) 
• Chaplain's Office (641) 269-4981