In a word: Japan

In tonight's Overnight News Digest: Science Saturday (From Wisconsin to Japan edition) on Daily Kos, I included science-related press releases from eight major public universities in the Midwest. More than half of them had something to say about the earthquake in Japan. Mostly, it was "Got questions? Ask us!"

( U of M, MSU, UW, Purdue, and Rutgers offering their experts to the press behind the cut. )

Only one university expressed sympathy--the University of Wisconsin.

Chancellor message to Japanese students, faculty, staff and alumni

I can not tell you how deeply saddened I was to hear of the news of the earthquake and tsunami that has devastated Japan. The effects of this terrible tragedy are beyond comprehension.

Along with the entire University of Wisconsin-Madison community, I hope that you and your families are safe and have not suffered greatly. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of all those who have been injured, had their property destroyed, or who have lost their lives.

In times like this, we come together as a community. We are here to assist you and will lend our energy and talents to support you and all of Japan’s recovery.

Wisconsin was also the only one to issue a public statement in which it alerted people back home about the status of its students in Japan.
UW-Madison students in Japan are safe
Campus reacts to international tragedy
March 11, 2011
by John Lucas

In the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami, UW-Madison has confirmed the safety of all of its students studying in Japan.

International Academic Programs has a total of 14 students in programs based at four universities in Tokyo, Nagoya and Sapporo.

As of 5 p.m. Froday, March 11, all students have been reached. Communications were complicated by power and cellular outages. In addition, information about tsunami warnings has been communicated to students studying in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.

I have only one thing to say: On Wisconsin!