United Through the Storm
Dear UTRGV Family,
I hope this message finds you safe and healing after what has been a difficult few days for many across the Rio Grande Valley.
The storm that struck our region last Thursday brought significant and unexpected hardship to many in our Vaquero community — from flooding to property damage and displacement. If you or someone you know is still recovering, please remember that UTRGV is here to help. Visit Ready UTRGV for campus and community resources, including ways to volunteer and support our broader Valley community as we recover — together.
But even amid the storm’s severity, what stood out most was the remarkable strength of our UTRGV family.
Rising Together in the Face of the Storm
When rain fell at record pace and floodwaters rose quickly across our campuses, students, faculty, and staff stepped in to help one another without hesitation. I heard countless stories of compassion and courage.
Our UTRGV Police Department played a vital role, assisting community members in reaching their vehicles and slowly guiding them off campus. Staff across several departments remained on-site overnight, ensuring that stranded students were cared for, fed, and sheltered safely in our residence halls. Behind the scenes, our Office of Emergency Management played a central role — coordinating efforts during the height of the storm, in the immediate aftermath, and continuing to guide our campus response today.
By Friday morning, our facilities teams were already at work, pumping out flooded areas and clearing outdoor debris. That evening, our custodial crews cleaned and prepared the interiors of our buildings so we could reopen by Saturday.
All these efforts were nothing short of extraordinary.
A Reflection of Our Region’s Values
Moments like these reflect the very heart of UTRGV. We’ve always said our university strives to reflect the community we serve — and the values of family, hard work, opportunity, and gratitude are at the core of both. Those values were on full display last week. We came together because that’s who we are — and who our region has always been.
To everyone who gave their time, energy, and heart to help others: thank you. You showed what it means to be part of the UTRGV family, and witnessing that spirit in action makes me incredibly proud. It is truly an honor to serve alongside such dedicated students, faculty, and staff.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President