Dear SRJC Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I am watching the devastation unfold from the wildfires on the island of Maui. While the fires are mostly contained, we are just beginning to learn the extent of the loss of life and homes.
Hawaiians are interwoven into the fabric of our SRJC community as students, employees, alumni, and community members. At least one of our own SRJC students has lost his grandparents, his aunt, and her son in the fires. Villiami "Ami" Fakava is one of our new residents in Polly Hall and a member of the SRJC football team. Coach Lenny Wagner, his team, and the Residence Life staff are supporting him with all the resources and comfort they can provide during this shocking and difficult time.
I fear there are more. As recovery efforts begin in Maui, I encourage you to check in on your colleagues and students for their personal, emotional, and spiritual connections to Hawaii. Please connect students in need to Vice President of Student Services Robert Ethington and employees to Vice President of Human Resources Gene Durand so we can provide resources to them and support them through this tragedy.
Sonoma County has experienced similar catastrophic wildfires over the years. The outpouring of support from our community, alumni, and strangers across the country and the world gave us hope and comfort.
If you are so inclined, please consider donating to SRJC’s Crisis Response Fund, which was established to support students impacted by wildfires and other crises. (Choose Crisis Response Fund from the drop-down menu.) Our Hawaiian students will be able to access those funds as they need them.
You can also directly support the Maui Strong Fund, run by the Hawai’i Community Foundation or any one of the local or national organizations assisting in the efforts.
I ask you to please keep our students and employees in your thoughts as they grapple with this profound loss.
With deepest condolences,
Dr. Garcia
Angélica Garcia, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
707-527-4431, angelicagarcia@santarosa.edu
