---
title: University Leaders Respond to Turkey-Syria Earthquake
date: 2023-02-06T03:00:00-05:00
author: Mei Lu
canonical_url: "https://president.umd.edu/news/university-leaders-respond-to-turkey-syria-earthquake"
section: News
---
# University Leaders Respond to Turkey-Syria Earthquake

*February 6, 2023* — by Mei Lu
> President Pines responded on Twitter to the tragic earthquake that struck southern and central Turkey, and northern and western Syria on February 6, 2023.

Messages from President Pines and University Administrators

*Updated February 15, 2023*

President Pines responded on Twitter to the tragic earthquake that struck southern and central Turkey, and northern and western Syria on February 6, 2023:

> *What we are witnessing in Syria and Turkey is a tragedy. Our hearts are heavy for the lives lost. Thinking of any and all Terps who may be affected by this devastating earthquake.*

The following story was sent to the entire University of Maryland community via *Maryland Today* on February 14, 2023:

> **Turkish Students Seek Donations for Earthquake Victims**  
> The University of Maryland's Turkish Student Organization is [collecting donations](https://donate.tpfund.org/team/481709) to support the victims of last week's devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, which have killed at least 35,000 people and affected more than 20 million.[  
> Read more](https://today.umd.edu/briefs/turkish-students-seek-donations-for-earthquake-victims)

UMD's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) sent a message of support and resources for all faculty and students from Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023.

The following message was sent to our Turkish and Syrian community members on February 15, 2023:

> To our Turkish and Syrian community members,  
>   
> The earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on Monday has stunned the world by the tragedy and devastation left in its wake. Our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted, and we mourn the loss of life and send healing wishes to the injured.  
>   
> We recognize the effects this tragedy must have on members of our campus community who are from the region or who have loved ones there. We also understand the enormous impact of this catastrophe on the peoples of Turkey and of Syria. We are grateful for the numerous relief efforts from organizations all over the world that are responding to this crisis, and we are grateful for all who seek to support them.  
>   
> Your Terrapin community is here to support you through this difficult time. [International Student and Scholar Services](https://globalmaryland.umd.edu/offices/international-students-scholar-services/office-hours) (ISSS) at [isss\_inquiry@umd.edu](mailto:%5Bisss_inquiry@umd.edu%5D) has already reached out to you and is available to meet with any of you. In addition, the Counseling Center at [301.314.7651](tel:3013147651), and the Dean of Students Office at [deanofstudents@umd.edu](mailto:%5Bdeanofstudents@umd.edu%5D) are available if you are struggling or experiencing hardship. We encourage you to support one another by checking in on your fellow Terps and sharing information you have about resources at the university.  
>   
> Please know you are not alone. Together, we are TerrapinSTRONG.  
>   
> Sincerely,  
>  **Georgina Dodge**  
> Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion  
> She/Her/Hers  
>   
> **Andrea Goodwin**  
> Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students  
> She/Her/Hers  
>  **Ross Lewin**  
> Associate Vice President for International Affairs  
> He/Him/His