BHCC stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with victims of war and violence everywhere
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Bunker Hill Community College | Office of the President
Dear BHCC Community,
Since last week’s Russian invasion of Ukraine, I have watched the events unfolding in Europe with concern and sorrow. Violence and war are the enemies of the values that this College and virtually every educational institution hold dear. Where education broadens our understanding of ourselves and the world, war narrows it; where education lifts a light by which we might see, violence casts only shadow. As a College, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and with victims of war and violence everywhere.
The BHCC community has direct ties to more than 80 countries– many more when considering connections of family and heritage that are important to so many of us. Whether or not your own ties reach back to Ukraine or Russia, or to another country, the events of the past few days may bring back your own or a family member’s memories of similarly traumatic circumstances. Similarly, members of our community who are veterans or service members may find the images of war broadcast on television and the Internet difficult to view.
Whatever your lived experience, wherever you come from, you belong here at BHCC, and you have our community’s support and our resources.
- Students are invited to connect with the counselors through the Dean of Students office and virtually visit our counselors.
- Students also have 24/7 multilingual support through My Student Support Program.
- International students with questions or concerns should reach out to the International Center for more information, guidance, and resources.
- Veterans and service members can connect with our Veterans Center.
- Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit the College’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Lifeworks, which offers free mental health and other resources to all employees.
As we care for ourselves and each other, this tragedy unfolding on the other side of the world can also be a reminder: that a world in which there is war and injustice, where the strong can prey upon the vulnerable, and where human rights and dignity can be so easily sundered is one where our work as learners and teachers is not yet done. My hope is that we rededicate ourselves not only to the pursuit of knowledge and truth not only for our own sake, but for the sake of a common good– a light that shines for all people, everywhere.
Pam Eddinger
President, Bunker Hill Community College