May 19, 2025 - A Message of Support in the Wake of Severe Weather
Dear UMSL Community,
As we gathered this weekend to celebrate the achievements of nearly 1,700 spring and summer graduates, we were also reminded of how quickly life can change. The tornadoes that swept through the St. Louis region and across the Midwest caused significant destruction and, tragically, claimed lives in our broader community.
While our UMSL campus was spared, we know that members of our university family — students, staff, and faculty — may have been deeply affected by the storm's impact. Our hearts are with all those grieving losses, facing uncertainty or beginning the long process of recovery.
At UMSL, we are guided by a shared commitment to care for one another. To that end, we encourage members of our community to seek support resources, whether here on our campus or in our region. For example, you have access to Counseling and Student Advocacy and Care services at UMSL, or you can visit the United Way website to complete a disaster intake form, sign up to be a volunteer or donate to support members of our community.
Even in the face of hardship, I am reminded of the strength and compassion that defines our university. Whether through volunteering, donating or simply extending grace and empathy, each of us has a role to play in helping our neighbors heal.
We love St. Louis — its people, its resilience and the deep connections that bind us. In this moment, let us stand together as a community committed to lifting each other up.
With care and gratitude,
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis