President McDavis sent an email of thanks and encouragement to the university following the Union Street fire.
Ohio University President Roderick McDavis said in an email to the university:
Despite the devastating effects of yesterday’s fire on West Union Street, we begin the new week feeling grateful for the safety of our students and blessed by the close-knit community of which we are a part. The outpouring of support and donations by students, faculty, staff and our community has been a source of strength for our affected students. The Bobcat Spirit has been demonstrated through the compassion and overwhelming generosity of our community.
We are especially thankful for the response of the emergency teams from Athens and our surrounding communities. The fact that no serious injuries were sustained in the blaze is largely the result of their swift, effective and professional response. I also want to acknowledge the Dean of Students Office, our Critical Incident Response Team, our academic deans and staff, and many local businesses, whose expressions of support were heroic in their own right.
While we take relief in the safety of our students, we also recognize that this is a deeply distressing time for students, community members and local businesses impacted by the fire. We will continue to support our students and community members as they process and cope with the aftermath.
To the OHIO community, the City of Athens, and our many local partners, thank you for your support. We look forward to your continued teamwork in the days ahead as we work to rebuild and rebound from this tragedy.
Cordially,
Roderick J. McDavis
President, Ohio University
For more information on yesterday’s emergency, please visit http://www.ohio.edu/alert.
