Dear Campus Community Members:
My joy for fresh air and progress in the fight against the Waldo Canyon Fire was quickly subdued this morning by news the fire has claimed its first victim, an individual who lived on Rossmere Street in the Mountain Shadows area.
The fire’s first victim lived only a few houses away from the homes of UCCS faculty, staff and students. I know of three employees whose homes in Mountain Shadows were destroyed. More will return to homes that are damaged and others remain under evacuation orders. Our students and their families face similar challenges.
Through all of this I remain positive. I am proud of this university’s response to the disaster and the aid that more than 40 volunteers provided at a last-minute event for 2,000 community members in Gallogly Events Center last evening. The logistical problems that came with such a large event were eased by the compassion that UCCS faculty, staff and students provided. To each of you, I am deeply thankful and appreciative.
I am pleased to provide you this update, the last you will receive from me this week. Barring an emergency, there will be no chancellor’s office communication until Monday.
Fire fighters are making progress. At this morning’s press briefing, fire officials were optimistic about the progress they would make today and reported the fire is 15 percent contained. The media pool was considerably smaller today, likely the result of President Obama’s visit to the fire-ravaged areas of our community. He did not visit campus.
New Student Orientation was a success. This morning’s new student orientation was a success with 143 participants attending, many from out of state, anxious to become members of the campus family.
Cadets are set to depart, firefighters to arrive. This afternoon, 200 Air Force Academy Cadets who called UCCS home after being evacuated, will return to the academy. In their place there may be up to 100 wildland firefighters staying in Summit Village beginning Friday night.
Volunteering is encouraged. The response to the call for volunteers has been amazing. Your help has made the difference for many. If you wish to volunteer, please contact Cindy Norton, (719) 255-3212 or [email protected].
Donations are needed. Care and Share will have a drop off site in Parking Lot 6 throughout the weekend. Donations of food, clothing, and toiletry items are sought.
Recovery is in motion. Beginning Saturday, El Paso County will open a disaster recovery center at 105 N. Spruce. The center is designed as a central location to answer questions and provide assistance on filing insurance claims, rebuilding homes, and receiving grief counseling. The center is will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. I also recommend that those who were evacuated contact their insurance carrier to see what benefits may be available to you. If you have space in your home that you would like to provide to a campus community member affected by the fire, please contact Cindy Corwin, 255-3696 or [email protected].
I remain proud of our efforts as a campus and our support of our greater community. I thank each of you for your individual and collective efforts. You have shared with the world your compassion and your care. I am grateful.
Respectfully,
Pam Shockley-Zalabak, chancellor
Leave a Reply