March 6, 2021: Statement of Support for Myanmar

Dear Bucknellians,

During the past month, we have seen increasingly alarming media reports of the rapid deterioration of the situation in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The results of the country's Nov. 8 democratic election were rejected by the military, which has imprisoned government and community leaders. Hundreds have been detained, including elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and members of her National League for Democracy party; and dozens of protesters have been killed in horrific displays of violence.

I write today to condemn this brutality and to express the University's unwavering support for our Burmese students and alumni during this unfathomably difficult time for them and their families. Bucknell has a long history of partnership with Myanmar that dates to 1858, when Maung Shaw Loo left his home country to study at the University at Lewisburg — becoming the first Burmese person to attend college in the United States and Bucknell's first international student. Since then, Bucknell and the people of Myanmar have maintained strong bonds. Our special relationship is commemorated each year with the presentation of the Bucknell-Burma Bowl, a gift from the president of Burma in 1958, which honors those who have made significant contributions to international understanding and cultural diversity.

The situation in Myanmar has an additional connection to Bucknell: The imprisoned leader Aung San Suu Kyi, winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, was the invited Commencement speaker for the Class of 1999. While she was unable to attend in person, the last words of the speech she wrote that was read to our graduates spoke of her conviction that "the historic Bucknell-Burma partnership will gain strength and beauty with the passing years."

In the spirit of this special partnership, the University stands with our friends from Myanmar and assures them of our enduring support.

Sincerely,

John