Dear Wellesley community,
Like you, I have watched with great alarm as Russia continues its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, escalating a conflict that has caused untold suffering, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and destabilized the international community. My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, who are displaying countless acts of courage as they stand up to this aggression, and with the many Russian citizens who have come out in cities across Russia to protest this unjust war at great personal risk.
Wellesley College is devoted to freedom, human rights, and democratic values and ideals, and we will do all we can to support every member of our community whose families, friends, and loved ones are affected by this tragedy. Vice President and Dean of Students Sheilah Shaw Horton and her team have proactively reached out to our students from Ukraine, Russia, and the region to offer support. Provost Andrew Shennan and I have signed a letter from the New University in Exile Consortium denouncing the invasion.
As an institution of higher education, it is critical that we use moments like this to learn from history and bring various disciplines to bear as we look to the future. Below are two upcoming events that are open to the community:
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On Tuesday, March 8, at 8 p.m., the College will host a virtual panel discussion focusing on the situation within Ukraine with Nina Tumarkin, Kathryn Wasserman Davis Professor of Slavic Studies and professor of history at Wellesley; Alexandra Vacroux, executive director of Harvard University’s Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies; and Norman Naimark, Robert and Florence McDonnell Professor of East European Studies at Stanford University. Please register in advance.
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On Monday, March 14, at 12:45 p.m., the Economics department will host “Economic Consequences of the War in Ukraine: A Conversation with Joe Joyce and Dan Sichel.” This is an in-person event held in the Knapp Atrium in Pendleton East for on-campus community members only. No registration is necessary.
I am grateful for Professor Tumarkin’s and Professor Courtney Coile’s leadership in organizing these events and providing our community with an opportunity to come together.
At this time of great suffering and uncertainty, Wellesley stands with the people of Ukraine, and our thoughts remain with all those affected by this horrific invasion.
Sincerely,
Paula A. Johnson
President
