September 28, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
We weathered the storms and high winds from Hurricane Helene together and everyone on campus is safe and sound. I know many of you sustained flooding, downed trees, and wind damage in your hometowns, and I hope all is being restored there as well.
Campus experienced some disruption and damage because of power outages and heavy rains. These rains caused flash flooding that far exceeds anything I have seen in my fifteen years at SSU. Townhouse Apartments were flooded, as well as the parking lots on the east end of campus. These units are being cleaned and repaired now. Students in affected units were relocated, are safe, and damage to personal items and vehicles is being assessed. I want to thank the students, parents, friends, and community partners who helped.
In less than 24 hours, all campus facilities have been evaluated and measures taken to restore operations. Our facilities and maintenance teams put in long hours to provide an exceptional response on buildings and roadways. The Department of Public Safety was engaged around the clock to coordinate a range of needs. Our Dean of Students, Office of Student Life, and Residence Life staff responded quickly to address student issues and keep everyone informed. Thank you all for your quick action and hard work.
A big thank you to our students for tackling this event with poise and letting us know about issues to resolve together. An Emergency Fund has been established to help students directly impacted by the flooding for replacement of computers, textbooks, clothing, and other essential items. Gifts to that fund can be made here and will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Students seeking relief from the fund should contact the Dean of Students.
Shawnee State University is strong, and we will be ready for normal operations on Monday. Please stay safe and dry until then. Thank you again, for being a part of the SSU community.
Sincerely yours,
Eric Andrew Braun, J.D., Ed.D.
President