Dear Parents:

For the past seven years we have dreamed about and discussed what it means to be a great commandment university.  We have emphasized "Loving God With Our Minds."  This week in bold fashion the Union community is exemplifying what the second aspect of that commandment says regarding "Love Your Neighbor."

I am so proud of and thankful for the Union University community.  For three days every hour on the hour students, staff, and faculty have headed toward the downtown area to lend a helping hand.  The University Relations Office became The Jackson Sun offices for two days as the paper was produced on our campus for our community.  Businesses like Proctor and Gamble are using our support system to keep their businesses going during this time.  The nursing school has been working closely with the Red Cross.  Today the Red Cross will move their headquarters to our campus.  For the next four weeks the Red Cross will operate out of our gymnasium.  Last night Union had a key leadership role in the first City Wide Prayer Meeting as we try to help with the healing and rebuilding process.

I am overwhelmed by the wonderful "servant spirit" across this campus.  I am so thankful for the wonderful Union student body and the great staff and faculty.

We must at the same time encourage our students to stay focused in their academic work as a priority during this time.  We want to assist our own facilities team anyway we can as we address the repairs needed on our campus.  Some of our students still have needs with their damaged cars.

Our city has taken a major hit but Union University has been a shining light in this dark hour.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude for each of you.  May God continue to give us grace sufficient for these days.