Temple University has been tested in many ways throughout the decades, and this weekend's experience with Hurricane Irene will be remembered by all of us. Preliminary assessments indicate the university experienced relatively minor damage as a result of Irene's fury. University crews worked diligently throughout the storm and the following day to put our campus back in order. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who helped us through this dangerous period. Most importantly, I want to recognize our students, many of whom just moved in a few days ago. I know this was a frightening time, but your mature reaction to the storm helped keep you and your fellow students out of danger. I also want to thank all of those who have been working with our students to keep them safe. We often say that student safety is our highest priority and you illustrated that point beautifully. There are many others who deserve our thanks, including those who stayed overnight on campus so that the TECH Center, Student Center, IBC and other services would be up and running as soon as possible. 

Keeping a small city like Temple running smoothly is tremendous effort. Your diligence proved that not even a hurricane could keep one of the best urban universities in the nation from showing its quality.

Thanks again to everyone. I know you join me in looking forward to a highly successful, and calmer, academic year.

— Ann Weaver Hart, President