As news of the devastation from Hurricane Matthew continues, I want to express my concern for all students, faculty and staff who have family and friends in the areas that bore the brunt of this killer storm.

We are very fortunate that the University of Florida campus was not significantly affected. The only damage was the result of two downed trees and very minimal flooding at Beaty Towers Residence Hall.

While campus remained closed Sunday, our Student Health Care Center and Library West resumed normal operations. We are still assessing any damage to our historic buildings in St. Augustine and the nearby Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience. IFAS facilities in Fort Pierce experienced some roof damage.

Patient care at UF Health Jacksonville facilities was not impacted, thanks to generators.

I would also like to express my appreciation for the efforts of many staff at the UF Police Department, Student Affairs, Physical Plant and elsewhere for their work throughout the storm to keep our campus safe and secure.

Considering the potential loss of life and property from Hurricane Matthew, we are thankful to have come through with minimal damage.

We cannot say the same for Haiti, where residents are coping with the enormous destruction caused by the hurricane, or for those affected elsewhere in Florida and the Southeast.

I urge everyone who can do so to please help by contributing to the many agencies and groups providing relief and assistance to the victims of Hurricane Matthew.  

Warm regards,

Kent

W. Kent Fuchs
President, University of Florida