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On Tuesday, February 11, several news outlets reported that Russia released Marc Fogel, an international teacher and 1984 ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â graduate who had been jailed in Russia since 2021. A Butler native, Fogel was expected to be reunited with his family by the end of the day.

ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â President Michael Driscoll and many other members of the university community joined legislators and Fogel’s family and friends in calling on the US government to secure Fogel’s release. In December, the US Department of State declared Fogel wrongfully detained.

President Driscoll issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“There are tears of joy and thanksgiving in the Office of the ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â President today. Joy that Marc Fogel will finally be home and reunited with his family, and thanksgiving for all who advocated for his return.”

Find more ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â news related to calls for Fogel’s release:

• Commentary: Marc Fogel Shouldn’t Spend Another Birthday in Russian Prison

• ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â President Continues Support for Efforts to Free Alumnus Marc Fogel, Recognizes Editorial in Pittsburgh-Post Gazette

• President Driscoll Offers Statement about Fogel Report in Support of Release of Alumnus Marc Fogel

• President Driscoll Makes Statement in Support of Marc Fogel in Observance of Mrs. Malphine Fogel’s Upcoming 95th Birthday