Our hearts continue to go out to the people of Japan and all who are suffering as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan. As we mourn the loss of thousands of lives, we are mindful of the immediate and longer-term challenges confronting the country.

Obviously, our thoughts are with Japanese members of our TC family – including alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff. We were relieved to learn that our colleagues in TC's TESOL Japan program safely exited their building.

I personally have been moved to observe the TC community mobilizing to offer assistance and support. Many of our students have been working virtually nonstop and partnering with other Columbia University student organizations to assist in relief efforts. Our Office of International Student Services is referring concerned individuals to Google's Person Finder -- http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com -- to help locate relatives, friends or colleagues who may be affected by the crisis.

There is always more that we could do to help the people of Japan recover from this national tragedy and to rebuild. We welcome suggestions from the community – particularly our Japanese alumni, students, and their families – on how Teachers College could render expertise and assistance in the most effective way possible.

In the meantime, we will continue to stand as one with the people of Japan.

President Susan H. Fuhrman

Published Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2011