Cornell University President Hunter Rawlings today (Sept. 13, 2001) issued this statement describing relief efforts under way for victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist acts:

The last 24 hours have seen still more demonstrations of the commitment of the Cornell community to provide assistance and support to those who have suffered so much at this time of national tragedy. Students, faculty and staff have rallied in support of each other, and I commend all of them for their efforts.

Last night's interfaith vigil on Ho Plaza brought together representatives of our many faith communities in prayer and reflection. Students, faculty and staff from Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish and Christian traditions offered prayers, songs and words of encouragement and commitment.

Counseling and academic support staff remain available for student members of the Cornell community. Our campus Employee Assistance Program remains available for staff members requiring assistance.

Cornellians are looking for constructive ways in which they can help in the relief efforts that are under way. Let me bring you up to date on several developments.

Local Area Blood Drives - As I mentioned yesterday, we have been working with the local chapter of the American Red Cross to assist them in securing volunteers. We posted the schedule of blood donation locations for the next two weeks, including several locations here on campus. I urge as many members of the campus community as possible to participate in this effort. That information, along with the previous editions of this update, can be found most easily through a link at the top of the Cornell home page. http://www.cornell.edu/ . Additional opportunities may be offered in the days ahead, and we will revise the information accordingly.

Athletic Events Cancellation - This morning I joined with our Director of Athletics and Physical Education, Andy Noel, in announcing that all Cornell athletic events scheduled for this weekend, both home and away, have been cancelled. For more information about upcoming athletics events, see the Cornell Athletics web site at http://cornellbigred.fansonly.com/ or call (607) 255-3752.

Fund-Raising Efforts - While the level of devastation may actually have diminished the potential need for blood donations, there will undoubtedly be a clear need for financial assistance to the victims of this attack and their families. Many fund-raising endeavors will be organized across the country in the days ahead. Let me simply bring three immediate activities to your attention:

The American Red Cross - Contributions can be made by sending a check to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, 201 W. Clinton Street, Ithaca, New York 14850, or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or by making an online secure credit card donation atwww.redcross.org . Student leaders will be working with the local chapter to organize a local area phonathon this weekend in support of the Red Cross.

The September 11th Fund -The nation's United Ways and the New York Community Trust have established The September 11th Fund to help victims of terrorist attacks in New York City and elsewhere in the country on September 11. The purpose of the fund is to mobilize resources to respond to the pressing needs of the victims and their families and all those affected by the tragedy. The effort is supported by the Council on Foundations. Anyone wishing to contribute to The September 11th Fund may send checks to United Way of Tompkins County, The September 11th Fund, 313 N. Aurora Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. Donors may specify the community (New York City, Washington, D.C., or any other affected area) where they would like their contributions to help. I should stress that this effort is above and beyond the on-going needs of our local human service agencies who very much depend on your continued generosity to the local United Way campaign.

Cornell September 11 Disaster Relief Fund - We know that there will certainly be faculty, students, staff and alumni who already have been or will be directly affected by this tragedy. At the time of the hurricane that severely damaged the homes of our staff in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, we established a relief fund that provided an immediate way for Cornellians to help Cornellians. Individual students, faculty and staff have requested that a similar fund now be created, and I am pleased to do so. Checks made out to Cornell University - Cornell September 11 Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the office of Robert Morgan, 55 Brown Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. If you wish to make a credit card gift to this fund, please call 254-7121 and ask for Janet Petry; on-line giving is also available at the following web site: http://www.alumni.cornell.edu/giving/ . A committee comprising students, faculty and staff will be appointed to develop and oversee the guidelines for this new fund. This proposal is endorsed by the University Faculty Committee.

September 11: A University Teach-In - On Monday, Sept. 17 , we will hold a university teach-in from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Kennedy Hall's Call Auditorium. Six faculty members will make five-minute presentations, and I will chair the session, with questions and comments from the floor to follow. The event is sponsored by the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, the Peace Studies Program, the Program of Ethics and Public Life, and the Government Department.