Once more, the forces of nature cause us to stand in awe as we watch the terrible aftermaths of the massive earthquake in South Asia and the floods and mudslides in Central America. Still fresh in our minds are the December tsunami and the Gulf Coast hurricanes.

Again, the University of Houston finds members of our family affected by these events. Pakistan is among the top ten nations for our international students; India is the top nation. We also have members of our faculty and alumni, along with academic and research colleagues from South Asia and Central America, particularly Guatemala. Because of our close ties to these areas, I am lowering the UH flag in respect for the victims and their families.

Please join Susie and me in keeping the survivors and their families in our thoughts and prayers.