Solidarity on Switchboard
Solidarity on Switchboard
University of Portland
Solidarity on Switchboard
Hello UP Switchboard Users:

Our hearts go out to all of you in our community. This time is daunting and challenging and carries waves of tension and helplessness as we all work to control aspects of our lives we can actually control.

As you’ve likely heard, the University has transitioned to online instruction and all students living on-campus were encouraged to return home to their permanent addresses. The Bluff feels hollow without the echoes of our students, faculty, and staff, and we share sincere disappointment with our seniors whose spring semester looks so completely different than the celebratory semester for which all had planned and hoped.

When so much about our futures is uncertain, we hope to provide a bit of solace and comfort as we lean on our resilience, both individually and as a community. Many of you may be rediscovering the blessings of time at home - the opportunity to read a good book, watch a good movie, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones. Many of you may also be struggling with employment, childcare, mental health, and general anxiousness about what the next few months will hold. We want to remind you that each of you is important, and that each of you is valued, both in your weak moments and your strong moments.

We invite everyone to join one another in solidarity on UP’s Switchboard. This platform has already hosted many wonderful connections amongst Pilots, and we hope to foster even more of those connections during this time. Please log-on and reach out. Ask for what you need, offer how you can help. Let’s lean on one another. Let’s maintain connection when we all need it most. Thank you for keeping one another in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for joining us in finding new footing. Thank you for making this community one of strength and hope and care.

We are here for you. Now, let’s begin.

In Gratitude,
Craig A. Swinyard, Ph.D. ’98
Director of Alumni & Parent Relations
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P.S. Follow the topic "Social Solidarity" on Switchboard or add it to your post to better connect with Pilots asking for or offering help.
alumni@up.edu | 503.943.7328 | 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203
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