Western community stands in support of Ukraine

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University is standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and those impacted as Russian troops invade and launch attacks in the country.

"We are saddened by and condemn in the strongest possible terms the aggression and bloodshed unfolding in Ukraine. The violence destroying lives and causing destruction in the country is unconscionable," WMU President Edward Montgomery, Faculty Senate President Marilyn Kritzman, Western Student Association President Alexis Morris and Michael A. Ozga, Graduate Student Association director of advocacy and legislative affairs, said in a joint message to the campus community.

"As an international campus that welcomes students and scholars from around the globe and advances a fundamental belief in the dignity of all human beings, we stand with the people of Ukraine and all people under threat in this area of the world," the statement continued.

The Western Student Association (WSA), in partnership with the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, held a moment of silence at the Campus Flagpoles Tuesday to reflect on the crisis and show support for those impacted.

"I think this calls for us to come together as students, for people who are involved at Western to come together to share what we're feeling. And even if we're far removed and can't directly do anything about it, at least we can talk about it and support people," says Cameron Schaefer, a biology student from Portage, Michigan, who attended the event.

Mariia Parkhomenko, a political science graduate student from Melitopol, Ukraine, was also there. She worries daily about her family back home.

"It is very touching that the WMU community supports Ukraine. It means a lot. I feel that I am not alone; I feel people's kindness and sympathy," she says.

The moment of silence was part of a larger, student-led effort to spread awareness of what's happening in Ukraine and provide spaces to learn, find community and offer assistance to those in need.

"It initially started with outreach from students who were personally affected by it, whether it was their family or friends," Morris says. "I also have a strong connection. My family has always had exchange students. One is over in Ukraine right now, actively trying to flee the country, and one is being hosted by my family; and her family is trying to flee the country as well."

WSA also partnered with We Talk and the Department of Political Science to host a panel discussion about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict featuring Drs. Jim Butterfield, Gunther Hega and Yuan-kang Wang.

"I feel like just bringing awareness to (the conflict), spreading that kind of news and making sure people know what's going on—that can definitely help," says Matias Alvarez, a music education student from Tecumseh, Michigan. He has been watching the Russian invasion unfold in the news and started journaling to ease anxiety and collect his thoughts. "Writing down what's going on, how it's affecting my daily life is kind of cathartic."

Counseling and other resources are available to members of the Western community experiencing distress. WSA compiled a list of those resources as well as verified organizations accepting donations and other support for Ukraine. The Registered Student Organization is looking for other opportunities to engage the campus community, including potentially partnering with the Campus Activities Board to collect items for care packages for those impacted by the crisis.

"Ukrainians have always been very strong, courageous and brave," says Parkhomenko. "We never give up."

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.