President Herbert's statement on the earthquake in Morocco

University of New England President James D. Herbert has issued the following statement in response to the 6.8-magnitude earthquake overnight in Morocco:

Dear UNE Community,

We were devastated to learn about the earthquake in Morocco, which has claimed over 1,000 lives since striking the country early this morning. We are fortunate to report that our campus in Tangier was not impacted by this disaster — which occurred in the High Atlas Mountains southwest of Marrakech — and that our students, professional staff, and faculty are all safe.

We have formed deep ties with the country of Morocco over the past decade. Our students do not just travel to Morocco; they are invested in the country’s communities. Through clinical work, volunteer opportunities, home stays, and more, our students come to Morocco not just to study abroad — they intend to make an impact during their time there.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to those in Morocco who were affected by this natural disaster. We extend our deepest sympathies to those who have suffered losses or hardships as a result of the earthquake.

Several of our students in Tangier have volunteered to donate blood and complete other charitable acts to help the people of Morocco during this difficult time. If you wish to contribute to relief efforts, IFRC and CNN Impact Your World are just two organizations where you can explore donation options.

The safety of our University community is paramount, as is the wellbeing of our friends who call Morocco home. In the coming weeks and months, we will be working with local authorities to see how we can be of assistance to our welcoming friends and neighbors.

We want to commend our students, faculty, and professional staff in Tangier for their resilience and cooperation during this challenging time, and we will continue to do what we can to support the Land of Light.

Sincerely,

James D. Herbert

President