June 23, 2012 – July 10, 2012

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”-Margaret Mead

June 23, 2012 – July 10, 2012

Colorado experienced a catastrophe of historic

proportions…

Photo: Cassidy Dejong-Fox 21 News viewer

Photo: NASAPhoto: Sandra Williamson – Fox 21 News viewer

Photo: Vicki McClure Davidson of Frugal Cafe

Photo: Fox 21 News viewer Photo: Fox 21 News viewer

Photo: RJ Sangosti, Denver Post

Photo: cnn.com

Photo: Denver PostPhoto: AP Photo/Gaylon Wampler

While residents of Colorado Springs were running away

from the flames…

Courtesy: Sandra Berry-Lowe

You were there…

Thank you

Photo: Communique 7/13/12 issuePhoto: Communique 7/13/12 issue

Photo: Communique 7/13/12 issue

“On behalf of the CSFD, I cannot thank you enough for your generous offer of respite housing for the firefighters…  Everything that UCCS provided was top notch…I was overwhelmed by their attention to detail to ensure that our stays in your facilities were nothing short of outstanding. I spoke to several firefighters who used your rooms; they were very grateful for a cool room, a quiet place and a comfortable bed for even a few hours between shifts.”

Photo: cbsnews.com

Thank you again, your support is very much appreciated!

Robert H. Coffey, Captain Medical Division, Colorado Springs Fire Department

Photo: Phillip Denman, UCCS

Photo: Communique 7/13/12 issue

“On another note…I can’t say enough about how helpful and responsive all of the UCCS staff were that I had contact with.  The efforts of the University personnel helped tremendously in making the best of what was a truly awful situation for so may people.  They all did a fabulous job.” Kurt SchroederPark Operations and Development Manager

Photo: cnn.com

Photo: cnn.com

Sign hanging on firefighters’ refrigerators in Alpine Village

“Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love...”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo: Communique 7/13/12 issue

Photo: Communique 7/13/12 issue Photo: cnn.com

Photo: Communique 7/13/12 issuePhoto: NBCNews.com

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another.”-Erma Bombeck

Dear Chancellor Pam, Thank you so much for allowing us to evacuate to the dorms last night. I did not expect it since we live quite close to I25 in Rockrimmon (although we could see the spectacular flare ups from our deck at 5pm). We were packed but  we did not have anyone we felt we could ask for a place to crash-so I was planning on getting to my office and sleeping on the floor-so the offer of a dorm room from Ralph was wonderful. When we arrived at about 9pm, campus was a bit of  a mess since half of COS decided the area in front of the rec center was the absolute perfect viewing point. Therefore, please extend my thanks especially to Susan, who was running around managing and directing, both last night and before 6am this morning

The kids working in the housing office in Monarch. They did a great job on short notice. And they are still at it!  The free night made it much less stressful. And I have now learned it has been extended to 3 free nights. Thank you and the leadership team very much!

Jim Spice and crew, who had to deal with the non-UCCS crowd and all the frantic evacuees. They did, and continue to do, a great job. Cheers, sandy (Berry-Lowe) Assoc Prof, BiologyMSc advisor

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it for someone else.”-Benjamin Franklin

Artwork by children atUCCS Family Development Center

Photo: Bryan Oller/AP

Please pass along my sincere thanks to your entire team, including the army of volunteers, that assisted us last night.  Thank you doesn't quite seem to express just how grateful all of us are to our friends at UCCS.  I imagine I will need to call upon you again in the days and months ahead.  So, please know how much we value our partnership and friendship.  Should we be able to do anything for you, just say the word.   Wishing you a good day, Laura NeumannChief of Staff to the Mayor

A community comes together…

Photo: Bryan Oller/AP

Photo: Jody Phillips Ace Hardware FoundationPhoto: Susannah Kay/The Gazette

Courtesy: RJ Sangosti, Denver Post

Photo: Salvation Army

Photo: Salvation Army

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”-Sir Winston Churchill

Photo: Angela Morgan/Jan Stone, Huffington Post

Photo: Associated Press, Huffington Post

Photo: Joe Amon,The Denver Post AP

Photo: Evan Vucci,Huffington Post, AP

And countless others…

Thank you

“Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.”-Anonymous