As the global, national, and local impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve day by day, St. Francis College is taking the necessary precautions to help ensure the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and the communities we serve.

College President, Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz announced that classes will move to online instruction starting Wednesday, March 18th through at least April 3rd but likely until the end of the semester.

SFC's on-campus academic and athletic events, as well as college admissions sponsored travel to international and domestic locations have been suspended.

These precautionary measures are being implemented in response to the growing threat that the coronavirus poses for our students, staff, alumni, parents, volunteers, and friends. With this in mind, our office has made the prudent decision to postpone or cancel all previously scheduled Advancement events through April 6th.

While there are still many unknowns regarding COVID-19, it is our responsibility to do what we can to minimize the risk of exposure of the broader SFC community. Further details on the status of specific events can be found here.

With that said, we continue to monitor the needs of our students and their families, faculty and staff, and the greater SFC community - know we are sincerely grateful for our community of believers. Your commitment to Big Dreams remains unprecedented and your willingness to support during these times speaks volumes about who we are, what we do for those we serve, and the trust you have in us to steward and share your selfless sacrifices.

As per the recommendation of alumni and friends, we have reactivated the Terrier for Terrier Emergency Relief Fund, a fund that provides SFC resources needed at all levels to support our mission and the Big Dreams of those we serve. We are driven by dreams and fueled by the generosity that this incredible SFC family shares – let's continue to be instruments of peace and have this small college be a beacon of hope, light, joy and love for the world to see.

As a parent of a college sophomore, my thoughts turn most immediately to the impact this situation has on our students and especially to members of the senior class, for whom this will be particularly difficult. None of us could have anticipated the disruption that this year has brought, but we are confident that we will all get through this together. We hope that you will join us in supporting our students and our community of parents and alumni beyond Brooklyn Heights by staying connected and thinking creatively about ways to remain engaged with each other and with the College absent in-person gatherings.

There are times when circumstances beyond our control remind us just how much we rely on our Franciscan values and the power of prayer – Let us continue to pray, especially through the intercession of St. Francis and St. Clare, for those who are sick, for first responders, for medical personnel and for all people who confront this challenge.

Thank you for all that you do to ensure our legacy and grow our mission – you are true believers. We also take a moment to thank the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, it was their vision, care and commitment, and so much more that have brought us to where we are today, and it is we who will bring it where it will be tomorrow and for generations to come. We ask our much-loved Brothers to pray for us and with us – as we too pray for them.

With great gratitude for being part of this incredible St. Francis College family,

Thomas Flood

V.P. for Advancement