A significant fire broke out at the Teatro Universitário (TUCA) of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR) in Curitiba, Brazil on April 15.
鶹ý’s American Academy program operates on the PUCPR campus as part of the dual-enrollment partnership established between the two institutions in 2018. The damaged building does not house any American Academy classes, but is the home to the program’s commencement ceremony.
The blaze, which reportedly started in an air conditioning unit before a medical student lab coat ceremony, prompted a campus-wide evacuation.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported as firefighters controlled the flames approximately 30 minutes after arriving on the scene.
“Our hearts go out to our American Academy students and the entire PUCPR community following the devastating fire on our shared academic home,” said Paulo Mussi Augusto, associate vice president, Office of Global Education at Kent State. “While the physical damage is significant, we are grateful that no one was harmed. Please know that we stand with you, in heart and mind, during this challenging time, and we are here to provide any assistance you may need. We are all part of the same community, and together, we will navigate this moment. We stand with you in solidarity today and in all the days ahead.”
As a result of the incident, PUCPR has suspended all classes and on-site activities for April 16, with no classes scheduled for the remainder of the week due to previously planned Easter holiday closures.