May 27, 2025 - Supporting Our Region in the Wake of Devastating Storms
Dear UMSL Community,
Over the past week, we’ve witnessed the heartbreaking aftermath of the tornadoes that swept through the St. Louis region. Lives have been lost. Communities have been upended. And yet, amid the devastation, we’ve also seen something powerful: neighbors helping neighbors. People showing up — with chainsaws, water, meals and compassion — to begin the long road to recovery.
We don’t yet know the full extent of how members of our campus have been affected, but we know many of you may be hurting, helping, or both. Please know that our thoughts are with everyone impacted — and our commitment is to support our community in meaningful, sustainable ways.
UMSL is not a first responder organization. But we are — and always have been — a force for good in the region. That means continuing our core work of educating, supporting and lifting up our students while also engaging in ways that contribute to the long-term well-being of St. Louis.
Already, we’ve seen members of our UMSL family stepping up: volunteering in cleanup efforts, offering shelter or supplies, and checking in on one another. If you're looking for ways to get involved, we’ve identified a few trusted regional organizations that are coordinating donations and volunteer support:
- United Way Volunteer Opportunities
- Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis
- People’s Response Volunteer Opportunities
- City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund
- United Way 211 Relief Resources
- Additional Resources: Greater St. Louis Inc.
We encourage students, staff and faculty to volunteer. If you’ve already volunteered or plan to do so, please take a moment to Log Your Service Hours and, if you’d like, share photos or a brief story about your experience. This helps us to capture the impact of our community and celebrate the many ways Tritons are making a difference across the region.
Let’s continue to show the region what UMSL stands for: care, strength, and a commitment to moving forward together. Our transformation as a campus is ongoing — and so is our role in helping to heal and strengthen the world around us.
Gratefully forward,
Kristin Sobolik
Chancellor, University of Missouri–St. Louis