Dear Faculty and Staff:

I have never been more proud of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences than I am right now. Over the past few trying weeks, individuals throughout the College have contributed their expertise, time, resources -- and sweat -- to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people of eastern North Carolina.

We continue to witness tragedy on a scale that we've never seen before, and many in our College family are suffering tremendous personal losses. Even as we grow tired and discouraged, we remain undaunted in our efforts to help our neighbors overcome this disaster. It is tenacity born of our common commitment to service.

The individual reports coming in from campus departments and field operations reflect a monumental response. Even the Extension faculty and staff who have seen their offices (and some of their own personal property) destroyed have not missed an opportunity to share vital recovery information with their citizenry. Their colleagues in less-affected counties as far away as the mountains could have continued with business as usual -- but they haven't. Instead, they've generously pitched in. Meanwhile, research, teaching and extension faculty members have fanned out across eastern North Carolina to help assess the losses, determine the educational needs and respond to those needs. Countless support staff have gone the extra mile in making sure that operations run smoothly during this time of crisis.

Our efforts have gone far beyond our professional obligations. Last week, donations filled a two-ton truck on the Brickyard with supplies that were sent to the hardest hit areas. You have given your time and energy not just to our College's efforts but to those of your churches and civic groups. Our College's NC Agricultural Foundation, Inc. has established three funds (CALS Floyd Relief Fund, NCCESF Benevolence Fund, and NCDA Farmer Disaster Fund) and is currently collecting desperately needed money to be dispersed to those whose livelihood and/or possessions have been destroyed.

Of course, our work is far from done. The needs will not be abated in the short term. Our citizens in eastern North Carolina will continue to rely on our abilities to provide them with educational resources and assistance through what promises to be a long recovery period.

I hope that you will continue to keep me informed of your efforts and the continuing needs. On behalf of all of the College administration, we are proud to be associated with such generous and talented people.

Sincerely,

James L. Oblinger

Dean

JLO/vsw