Message from President Eddinger: Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

Monday, February 6, 2023

Bunker Hill Community College | Office of the President

Dear BHCC Community,  

Overnight, devastating earthquakes struck the countries of Turkey and Syria, with a death toll in the thousands. The earthquakes were centered in southern Turkey, near the Syrian border and the Turkish city of Gaziantep. While we are still learning the extent of the damage, we know that millions of people are likely affected. 

BHCC is home to many students, faculty, and staff from Turkey—please know that we are worried about you, and your family and friends in your home countries.  Any international students in need of support should contact BHCC’s International Center, which will be monitoring the situation in Turkey and Syria, as well as guidance from the U.S. State Department and other international organizations.   

Events like this often bring up difficult thoughts or feelings.  Students are invited to connect with the counselors in the Counseling Center or virtually visit our counselors.  We also have 24/7 multilingual support through the My Student Support Program.  Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit BHCC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Lifeworks (login instructions available on the HR Intranet site), offering all employees free mental health services and other resources. 

As the recovery unfolds in Turkey and Syria, we will share any relevant information as it becomes available.  For now, please keep those impacted in your thoughts and know that the College stands ready to support the communities affected by this tragedy. 

Sincerely, 

Pam Y. Eddinger, PhD
President
Bunker Hill Community College