Extending Sympathy to Alumni in the Philippines

The MIT Alumni Association joins the many voices around the world expressing sympathy for the thousands of people whose lives have been devastated by Typhoon Haiyan’s historic destruction on November 8. At least 134 alumni list the Philippines as their home, and there is an active MIT Club of the Philippines that celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010.

The MIT community would like to hear from alumni, faculty, and students in the damaged areas: please signal that you are okay by tweeting @MIT_alumni.

A message from MIT President L. Rafael Reif:

The terrible destruction left by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines reminds us of the immense force of Nature, the vulnerability of human beings and the bonds that connect us to communities a world away. On behalf of MIT, I extend our deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines.

A great deal remains uncertain. For now, we are attempting to reach out to our Filipino students, faculty and staff to understand their needs and offer our support. If you are aware of someone in our community suffering the effects of this tragedy, please let my office know.

More broadly, MIT has a range of research ties to the Philippines, as well as expertise and technologies developed in response to past natural disasters. Faculty Chair Steven Hall has agreed to work with Acting Provost Marty Schmidt to explore ways that MIT might help the people of the Philippines in their recovery.

As plans evolve, I will make sure to keep the community informed.

In sympathy,

L. Rafael Reif