Indiana’s independent colleges and universities are opening their hearts and doors to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.  Read here about the wide variety of relief efforts underway on ICI campuses:

Franklin College Offers Free Tuition to College Students Affected by Hurricane Katrina
University of Evansville Offers Free Tuition for College Students Displaced by Hurricane
Manchester College Offers Campus, Collects Funds, Blood for Victims of Hurricane Katrina
Holy Cross College Creates Special Semester for Students Affected by Hurricane Katrina
University of Indianapolis Contributes in Multiple Ways
“Katrina Stadium Collection” Set for University of Notre Dame/Michigan State Game
Marian College Holds Prayer Service
DePauw Community Comes Together to Aid Hurricane Victims
Taylor University Fort Wayne Responds to National Disaster
Valparaiso University Students Initiate Wide Range of Activities
Martin University Continues to Offer Prayers and Volunteer Service
Ancilla Athletics to Donate to Hurricane Relief Efforts
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Welcomes Displaced Students
Indiana Tech Assists Students Hit by Hurricane
Bethel College Offers to Waive Tuition for Katrina Victims at Sister Colleges
Goshen College Responding to Hurricane Katrina
University responds to Hurricane Katrina
Saint Mary’s College offers admission to students displaced by Katrina
Taylor Hurricane relief response includes trips, financial donations

Franklin College

Franklin College Offers Free Tuition to College Students Affected by Hurricane Katrina

FRANKLIN, Ind. - Franklin College is extending a helping hand to college students who have been shut out of Gulf Coast universities and colleges by Hurricane Katrina. 

President James G. Moseley announced that students enrolled in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana schools shut down by storm damage can enroll for available spaces in fall semester classes at Franklin College without an application fee and without charge for tuition. 

The college will make every effort to ensure that classes are transferable and similar to classes in which students had already enrolled at their Gulf Coast area colleges or universities. "We want to do whatever we can to assist students whose lives have been disrupted by this disaster," said President Moseley. "Our classes began this week, so we hope that such students who are interested in attending Franklin College will be in touch quickly. Our faculty members will help to ensure that their transition is as smooth as possible."

Interested students should call Vice President of Enrollment and Marketing Alan Hill at (317) 738-8062 no later than Friday, Sept. 9. "Extending an invitation to the students whose college plans have been disrupted is one way that Franklin College can make a positive impact during these trying times," said Hill. "We're eager to help students keep their plans on track and realize their dreams for an education." 

Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a four-year undergraduate liberal arts institution 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. The college offers more than 40 programs of study including biology, business, education and journalism. The college, which was the first institution of higher education in Indiana to admit women, has an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students and maintains a voluntary association with the American Baptist Churches USA.

Source: Franklin College

University of Evansville

UE Offers Free Tuition for College Students Displaced by Hurricane

The University of Evansville today announced that it is now offering free tuition for this semester to any college student who has paid tuition and was enrolled at one of the colleges now devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

UE President Stephen Jennings says making this offer is the “right thing to do. We want to give them a home for the semester.” Jennings explained that students will be allowed to take courses where open seats remain in UE classes and continue their college studies this semester, so that they will not get too far behind in their college schedules. 

Tom Bear, vice president of enrollment services stressed that “time is of the essence. Classes at UE began Aug. 24, so for the students’ own academic success they would need to be enrolled and in classes by Wednesday, Sept. 7.”

The only costs the student would be required to pay would be for fees and books. UE fees are $270 per semester and include the health and wellness fee, technology fee and the student activity fee. Book costs vary widely based upon courses taken. If students wish to live on campus, they must carry at least 12-credit hours. Room and board fees would be applicable if this option is selected.
For more information or to register for classes, please contact Bonnie Daly, assistant director of the Center for Continuing Education, 812-488-2767.

The University of Evansville is a private, United Methodist Church-related, comprehensive university that is a member of the Associated New American Colleges. UE celebrates more than 150 years of civic mission and sacred trust, providing life transforming educational experiences that prepare students to engage the world as informed, ethical and productive citizens.

Media Advisory:

UE’s first student taking advantage of this new opportunity is Evansville resident Betsy Schmidt, a Signature School graduate. Betsy was enrolled at Loyola University in New Orleans, but does not know if/when she will be able to return. If you would like to interview Schmidt or her parents, Lori and Joe Schmidt, please call Marsha Jackson, news director, at 812-488-2562.

Manchester College

MC offers campus, collects funds, blood for victims of Hurricane Katrina

Manchester College is offering its campus – and special arrangements – to students whose colleges or universities are closed because of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, the Manchester College community is uniting to raise funds and donate blood for the victims of the disaster – and is inviting its neighbors to join the relief effort.

The liberal arts college will speed financial aid packaging and course registration, and waive application and late-registration fees to the transfer students, said David F. McFadden, executive vice president. The offer is extended to students already admitted or enrolled in four-year baccalaureate colleges or universities closed by the hurricane and resulting flooding. 

The college will work with students on a case-by-case basis, McFadden said. If the advance work is completed by Sept. 9, the students can begin classes no later than Sept. 12. MC classes began Aug. 31.

Meanwhile, Manchester is collecting monetary donations in collaboration with Church of the Brethren and Church World Service. The Brethren Service Center already has shipped 5,000 blankets, 5,000 emergency kits and $15,000 in its intent to provide at least $300,000 in initial aid to the Hurricane Katrina disaster area. 

Manchester will collect cash or check donations in its campus business office and forward them to the Church of the Brethren emergency Disaster Fund. Persons from outside the College are welcome – and encouraged – to donate through this effort. 

Manchester is a college of the Church of the Brethren, a denomination experienced with long-term disaster relief. “The Brethren emergency response systems have provided monetary relief, assistance from volunteers who help with rebuilding, and extensive child care in emergency shelters for decades,” notes MC President Jo Young Switzer. “The fund has exceptionally low overhead, so donations make a huge impact.”

In addition, the college is working with the Red Cross to conduct a special blood drive on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The event, organized by the campus Office of Volunteer Services, will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the College Union, lower level. The community is invited.

Additional campus fund-raisers are in the works, including collections at athletic events (beginning with the home football game this Saturday), in residence halls and by Campus Ministry. The college also hopes to organize student events that encourage students to reduce their driving and redirect that gasoline money for the relief efforts, President Switzer said.

“We thank those who are stepping forward to support those affected by this catastrophe,” she said. “The impact on their lives reminds us of the fragility of our lives and the precious privileges that we too often take for granted.”

To donate, visit the campus business office or send checks to Disaster Relief, Business Office, Manchester College, 604 E. College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962. Please make checks to Emergency Disaster Fund. The donations are tax-deductible. For more information on the Church of the Brethren Emergency Response Fund, see www.brethren.org/genbd/ersm/

For more about the special enrollment of students affected by Hurricane Katrina, contact McFadden at dfm@manchester.edu or 800-852-3648. For more about Manchester College, visit www.manchester.edu 

Holy Cross College

Holy Cross College Creates Special Semester to Make Classes Available to Students Affected by Hurricane Katrina

NOTRE DAME, IN (September 2, 2005)---Many students won’t be able to attend classes this fall, because hurricane Katrina has demolished their schools and scattered the faculty. Holy Cross College administrators are responding to this need.

Holy Cross will be opening its doors to 20 freshmen who have already been admitted to accredited colleges, but won’t be able to attend classes due to the hurricane. This cohort will be an 8-week course beginning October 24, 2005. Students will receive 12 credit hours in a liberal arts core curriculum. Housing will be available, and emergency housing is already available for students who need that service before cohort classes begin.

Holy Cross College President, Brother Richard Gilman, C.S.C., Ph.D., says “Our Lady of Prompt Succor is the patroness of New Orleans. The congregation of Holy Cross prides itself on being hospitable. The College wants to be prompt in getting help to students who need to get on with their education and receiving them as family. Being a small school we pride ourselves in being flexible, adaptable and open. This program is our response.”

Students and parents with questions can contact:
Richard Sullivan
Registrar
574.239.8401

Any media with questions can contact:
Dr. William T. Mangan, Vice President for Academic Affairs
574.239.8400
or
Sara Kassen
Associate Director of Marketing, Communication and Public Relations
574.239.8408

****

Holy Cross College is a Catholic higher education community that transforms lives by advancing the Gospel, building competent minds and compassionate hearts. Founded by the Brothers of Holy Cross in 1966, offering a two-year Associate of Arts degree, Holy Cross recently introduced an accredited four-year baccalaureate option, and conferred the first Bachelor of Arts degrees in May 2005.

University of Indianapolis

• In keeping with the request of relief organizations, we are encouraging cash, not goods, to be donated to a fund that will be split between the United Methodist Committee on Relief (the university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church) and to the American Red Cross, and we are matching all donations up to $5,000. We also have a United Way drive under way, and are suggesting to employees that they consider increasing their pledges and designating the additional funds to disaster-serving agencies.
• We believe one of the most valuable ways our institution can help is to empower our people to act. For that reason, we have decided to contribute employee time to the relief efforts if an individual is involved in an organization or agency that is providing disaster aid, and feels a call to assist. In addition, we are going to offer our support to those students or employees who may be deployed through the National Guard or Reserves.
• We are welcoming displaced students who come to us from hurricane-affected areas. Already we have one transfer student from Tulane—an Evansville resident. We also believe we can use our resources most effectively by reaching out to an institution in need. We know of a sister United Methodist-institution, Dillard University, and will be working with them over the weeks and months ahead to lend what assistance we can. 
• Students already have begun collecting money in the residence halls and a plan is afoot for a “foodless food drive” involving our new One Card system in the dining hall. (Students will swipe the cards and designate that meal money as a donation.) Central Hall (a residence hall) is taking donations from now until September 8 that will be directed to the American Red Cross. Two other residence halls, Warren and Cravens, have challenged each other in a loose change war to see which hall can raise the most money. Every Thursday night students in those halls will be selling grilled cheese sandwiches, the proceeds going to disaster relief. 

University of Notre Dame

“Katrina Stadium Collection” set for Michigan State game

The University of Notre Dame will collect funds for relief of the victims of Hurricane Katrina at its first home football game Sept. 17, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the University’s president, announced today.

Notre Dame Stadium, with a capacity of 80,795, is sold out for the 2.30 p.m. (EST) game against Michigan State University. “My hope is that the collective generosity of 80,000 fans will raise as much as possible in support of relief for this disaster, the full magnitude of which is still being determined with each passing hour,” Father Jenkins said.

The “Katrina Stadium Collection” will be taken between quarters or at halftime during the contest which, as with all home games at Notre Dame, will be televised nationally by NBC.  Father Jenkins will lead the crowd in prayer and a moment of silence during pre-game ceremonies.

The University also is taking up a collection for hurricane relief during all Masses this weekend in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and in the University’s 27 residence halls. Funds received in both collections will be distributed as follows: 50 percent to Catholic Charities USA, 25 percent to Congregation of Holy Cross ministries in Louisiana, and 25 percent to Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) staff in affected areas. The Holy Cross ministries include Our Lady of Holy Cross College, Sacred Heart Parish and the Holy Cross School, all in the greater New Orleans area. ACE, a program founded at Notre Dame 10 years ago, trains teachers to serve Catholic schools in areas of poverty throughout the U.S. There are an estimated 25 ACE teachers in hard-hit areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Father Jenkins said Notre Dame continues to examine other options for aiding those most affected by Hurricane Katrina. “Of course we are monitoring the well-being of our students who have families in the area, and we will be attentive to their needs, both emotionally and financially,” Father Jenkins said. Notre Dame has 60 students from the areas where the storm hit. “In addition, we are mobilizing all of the pertinent units on our campus to determine how we can best assist the academic and scholarly needs of students and faculty from colleges and universities that have been affected,” Father Jenkins said.

Notre Dame’s service learning enterprise, the Center for Social Concerns, also is organizing a number of activities to support the relief effort.

Marian College

Prayer Service

What:  Prayer Service for Peace, the Victims of Tragedy, and Rescue Workers.  September 11, 2005

Where/When:  Bishop Chartrand Memorial Chapel, 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Sponsored by Campus Ministry and the “People of Peace” Secular Franciscan Order fraternity

Operation Hurricane Relief

Suggested items in need are:  Sleeping bags, bedding, blankets, pillows, socks, paper plates & eating utensils, bottled water, flip flop slippers, hygiene products, toiletries, baby diapers, baby formula, baby wipes, bath towels, kitchen items, can foods, pet foods, school supplies, book bags, first aid kits, rain ponchos, ice coolers, bug spray, flashlights, batteries, and cleaning supplies.

TOGETHER Marian College can make a difference if YOU just donate ONE item!!!

WHY?  “…life is all about people helping people in their time of need.  Too often we take the simple things in life for granted.  People have lost everything and we all need to do our part to help them.” -Jeff Cardwell, President of AMI

WHERE? Colleen Oliver & Amanda Frey- Clare 336- X6666

DEADLINE? THIS SATURDAY- September 3^rd, 2005- 7:30AM pick up 

CONTACT?  Either Amanda or Colleen at 955-6666 or 412-1650 or coliver@marian.edu 

Central Indiana- In response to Hurricane Katrina that have taken the lives of many and caused devastating damage, the People Helping People Network in cooperation with World In Need and A.M.I. Do-it Best Home Center launches “Operation Hurricane Relief” to assist in the on going hurricane relief efforts. For more information about these organizations please visit http://www.phpnetwork.org/  and http://www.phpnetwork.org/documents/HurricaneKatrinaRelief103.PDF

Co-sponsored by Community Ministry, an Office of Campus Ministry

DePauw Community Comes Together to Aid Hurricane Victims

September 2, 2005, Greencastle, Ind. - DePauw University students, and members of the faculty and staff, are reaching out to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Today, people gathered at the Office of Spiritual Life for a 'Time of Remembrance and Hope,' and during the lunch hour members of Beta Theta Pi fraternity canvassed the Hub to take collections for the American Red Cross (they will do the same at tomorrow's DePauw-Wesley 'Community Day' football game).

Sunday afternoon, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Committee for Latino Concerns will host a barbeque fund-raiser, with live music, which will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. in Bowman Park. All donations collected will also be forwarded to the Red Cross. 

Those who wish to drop off monetary contributions can visit the Center for Spiritual Life(413 Anderson Street), the Hartman House (500 E. Seminary Street), or the Campus Life Office (room 100 of the Memorial Student Union building).  

"While we may feel compelled to gather supplies to send such as bottled water, clothing, and other supplies, those things will bog down and overwhelm the agencies trying to provide services to victims. According to the Red Cross, financial contributions will have the biggest impact right now," notes Tricia Cooksey '04, graduate assistant for student services.

"We don't want to discourage people who want to help," adds Amanda Lepof, an American Red Cross In-Kind Officer. "But, making a financial gift to support the relief operations really is the best way for people to help after a disaster like this."

The sanctuary of the Center for Spiritual Life are open for prayer and remembrance for the victims of the hurricane and the continuing rescue and restoration efforts. Chaplains Larry Burton and Brad Tharpe are also available. Call (765) 658-4615 to make an appointment or send an e-mail here.

For more information on relief efforts, visit the Red Cross and/or the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Ken Owen
Director of Media Relations
DePauw University
Greencastle, Indiana
(765) 658-4634 (office)
(317) 446-6668 (cell)
(765) 658-4625 (fax)

DePauw Reaching Out

DePauw University is reaching out to students and faculty members of colleges and universities devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and may become a temporary home for displaced families. Through the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA), of which it is a member, DePauw is offering to accept students whose college studies have been disrupted by the storm and provide workspace for displaced professors. It is also offering, through the Red Cross and NAACP, two vacant living spaces to families who are fleeing the Gulf Coast and need short-to-intermediate term housing. (includes audio clips)

http://www.depauw.edu/news/index.asp?id=16216

Taylor University

Taylor University Fort Wayne Responds to National Disaster

Fort Wayne, IN- The Taylor University Fort Wayne community is responding to the nation¹s largest natural disaster by praying, collecting money and much-needed items, donating blood and sending a team to Louisiana during the University¹s fall break, October 21-24, to distribute the items and assist in recovery.

Taylor Student Organization (TSO) president, Ed Grable, is spearheading the relief efforts. Ed has coordinated the American Red Cross Mobile Unit for blood donations on September 9, 12 noon-6 pm, in the Calvin H. English Library parking lot. TSO will also collect the following new items to be distributed to Louisiana residents: bottled water, personal hygiene items, diapers, toilet paper, batteries, flashlights, stuffed animals, blankets and tarps. If you would like to donate any of the listed items, you may bring them to Taylor University¹s Founders Hall, lower level, on the corner of Indiana and Rudisill, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1-3 pm, 5-7 pm.

Dr. Michael Cook, Taylor University Fort Wayne assistant professor of counseling, is providing leadership for the distribution of collected items. 

Dr. Cook grew up in the south and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary from 1988-1997, where he received his M.Div. in pastoral ministries and Ph.D. in psychology and counseling. He has family in the New Orleans area.  

Within the context of Taylor University¹s Christ-centered mission and core values, the Fort Wayne campus is a covenant community, preparing individuals, through applied learning and spiritual formation, for their professional, service and ministry callings.

For more information about Taylor University Fort Wayne call 260-744-8600 or visit http://fw.taylor.edu.

For additional information please contact Lisa Allen, associate director of University Relations, at 744-8658. 

Valparaiso University:

Valparaiso, IN - Valparaiso University students have initiated a variety of
activities to generate support for the victims of the hurricane that
devastated the Gulf Coast.

Among these activities are:
* Sale of bracelets in the “Mardi Gras colors” of purple, yellow and
green. The bracelets are being sold on campus for $5 will all
proceeds being donated to an agency involved in relief work.

* A film series featuring films set along the Gulf Coast is being
planned with the $2 admission price to each film designated for
hurricane relief. The series begins Sept. 13 with a showing of
Forest Gump. Additional movies are Sept. 29, Oct. 18 and Nov. 11.

* Sigma Pi fraternity is sponsoring a volleyball tournament Saturday
(Sept. 3) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an entry fee of $15 for a
four-person team. All proceeds will be sent to the American Red
Cross.

* Sigma Chi fraternity will be selling buttons on campus Sept. 5-9
and is designating all profits for an appropriate hurricane relief
fund.

* Alpha Phi Omega fraternity is sponsoring a ball-toss game on campus
Sept. 7 with all proceeds benefiting hurricane victims.

Kelly Jordan, assistant director of student activities and volunteer
programs, is coordinating efforts of other student organizations still
planning support activities.

University personnel stand ready to assist any college students from the
affected areas who may wish to enroll elsewhere while their home
institutions are preparing to reopen.

Martin University

Martin University continues to offer their prayers to all the Hurricane Katrina victims and their families.

Nearly one half of the Martin University faculty and staff have family and/or friends in the affected areas.  Some faculty and staff are from the hurricane area.  President Fr. Hardin has expressed that Martin University is standing by to support family and friends of the Martin University faculty and staff directly that have been effected by this disaster. 

Currently, although there is not an organized effort through the University, many of the Martin University faculty and staff are participating at individual levels and volunteering at local charity organizations.

Paul Reinken
Account Director
Sherman & Co.
(317) 923-6775
paul@shermanandcompany.net
www.shermanandcompany.net

Ancilla College

Ancilla Athletics to Donate to Hurricane Relief Efforts

**10% of Blueberry Festival Ham ‘n Bean Booth Sales to Be Donated**

The Ancilla College Athletic Department will be in charge of the ham and beans booth at the annual Blueberry Festival in Plymouth this year. The department hopes to raise money for college’s athletic team trips. 

Ancilla coaches Kelly Helm (volleyball), Steve Helm (men’s basketball), and Dianna Gaines (cheerleading) are heading up the efforts to coordinate the ham and bean sales at the festival. The Neighborhood Center in Plymouth had run the booth for years, but decided not to this year. 

Ancilla College stepped in to fill the void and will be receiving assistance from veteran bean cooker Terry Miller, whose father helped organize the first ham and beans meal cooked by the Neighborhood Center.

Many of the ingredients and cooking utensils were donated in order to ensure that the fund-raiser is a success for the athletic teams. 

Although their goal is raising money for athletics, they also hope to give some aid to areas struck by hurricane Katrina. 

“We are donating 10% of our proceeds from the booth to hurricane relief efforts,” said Kelly Helm. “We hope everyone stops by and buys some ham and beans so we can help as much as we can.”

Contact: Beth Lichty
Ancilla College 
Asst. Director of Institutional Advancement/Public Relations Coordinator
574- 936-8898, ext. 340

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Welcomes Displaced Students

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College President Joan Lescinski, CSJ, has announced that the college will welcome displaced students previously enrolled at colleges impacted by Hurricane Katrina.  For the 2005-2006 academic year, assistance at up to no-direct cost to students may include tuition, room, board, and fees.  Displaced students may enroll in the fall semester through September 25^th and those interested in winter semester should make application by December 1^st.  Any interested students should contact the Office of Campus Admission at 800-926-SMWC for details.  Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College was founded in 1840 by the Sisters of Providence.

Indiana Tech

Date: Sept. 3, 2005

Contact:

¡         Janet Schutte, Director of Marketing, (260) 422-5561 ext. 2250, jlschutte@indianatech.edu, (260) 710-4050 (cell)

For immediate release

University Will Assist Students Hit by Hurricane

The Indiana Tech community extends its heartfelt sadness to all affected by Hurricane Katrina. As part of relief efforts, Indiana Tech will work to assist students whose college plans were instantly changed by this natural disaster.

Enrollment deadlines will be waived for students who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Those who are interested should contact:

Indiana Tech
Admissions Office
1600 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(800) 937-2448
(260) 422-5561, ext. 2205

 The admissions team at Indiana Tech is prepared to assist students who have been forced to change their college choice, while the financial aid office will help them with financial support. The State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana has indicated that it will do everything it can to help Hoosier students returning from the Gulf Coast area reclaim their eligibility for state grants.

“In the face of this tragedy, we all want to do whatever we can to offer some kind of relief,” said Indiana Tech President Arthur E. Snyder. “The least we can do, as educators and as human beings, is open our hearts and our classrooms to college students who have suddenly found themselves with nowhere to go.”

Indiana Tech offers a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degrees in accounting, business administration, communication, criminal justice, computer studies, engineering, and recreation management. In addition to assistance with admissions and financial aid, the university is prepared to offer academic support to allow students to catch up on course work.

Bethel College

Bethel College Offers to Waive Tuition for Katrina Victims at Sister Colleges

Hurricane Katrina not only affected the residents of the South, but also the local colleges and students that attended them. In response to Katrina’s devastation, Bethel College has offered to receive, waive tuition, and house 30 to 40 students from colleges who were affected by the hurricane and who are part of the Council of Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), of which Bethel is also a member.

Bethel College is also coordinating a multifaceted campaign that will involve the student body in reaching out to the hurricane victims. First, Bethel is gathering funds in order to equip and send several teams of students to the South over the course of the entire year to help rebuild and restore in the aftermath. Second, the college is collecting financial donations from students, faculty, and staff. The donations will be given to the Salvation Army and World Relief for immediate relief efforts and also to the CCCU relief fund for its institutions affected by the hurricane.

Bethel College is an accredited Christian college of the arts and sciences offering associates, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in more than 50 areas of study. The current enrollment of 1,964 includes students from 34 states, 17 countries, more than 20 denominational affiliations and 16 percent from culturally diverse backgrounds. Scholarships are available based upon a variety of factors including academic achievement, talent in the arts or athletics, ethnicity and church affiliation. The Bethel campus is situated on 75 beautifully wooded acres in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Contacts
Erin Wagler - Director of Public Relations - 574.257.3301
Sheila Jacobsen - Asst. Director of Public Relations - 574.257.3535

Goshen College

Goshen College Responding to Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina, which devastated Gulf Coast states and continues to present survival challenges, has resulted in responses from across the country and the world – including members of the Goshen College campus.

Current campus response

• The college is organizing a service trip for students to do cleanup
in hurricane-devastated areas through Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) this fall or winter. Interested students are currently signing up.
• Campus Ministries is collecting cash donations to be sent to MDS
(www.mds.mennonite.net), an agency of Mennonite Church USA, to aid in relief and clean-up efforts.
• Goshen College Campus Ministries is encouraging all students,
faculty and staff to devote time in focused prayer as they watch or read the news about Hurricane Katrina. Prayers were led for all affected by the hurricane during all public campus events during the week following the disaster.
• The college’s Counseling Center is offering assistance to any
students emotionally overwhelmed or seeking to understand the emotional impact of this disaster.
• On Sept. 13 at 6 p.m., Campus Ministries is hosting a public
labyrinth walk in the fellowship rooms of College Mennonite Church, where donations will be accepted for MDS. The labyrinth is a tool of prayer, meditation and peace that is walked.

Editors: For more information about this release, contact Goshen College News Bureau Director Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.

University responds to Hurricane Katrina

The University of Indianapolis is responding to Hurricane Katrina in a number of ways:

• We will waive tuition charges for students from Gulf Coast schools and admit them as guest students for the fall semester. Displaced students should contact Vice President Mark Weigand (weigand@uindy.edu) by Monday morning, Sept. 12. The University’s toll-free number is 800-232-8634.
• We will try to get new students into the residence halls, and also have faculty and staff willing to provide room and board for the semester.
• In keeping with the wishes of relief organizations, the University is encouraging students and employees to donate cash, not goods, to a special fund that will be split between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and to the American Red Cross, and has earmarked $5,000 to match contributions. With a United Way drive under way, employees also are being encouraged to consider increasing their pledges and designating the additional funds to disaster-serving agencies.
• The University is contributing employee time to the relief efforts, for individuals who are involved in an organization or agency that is providing disaster aid and would like to assist.
• Students are collecting money in the residence halls and have just begun a “foodless food drive” involving the One Card system in the dining hall. (Students swipe their cards and designate that meal money as a donation.) Central Hall residence is taking donations from now until Sept. 8 that will be directed to the American Red Cross. Two other residence halls, Warren and Cravens, have challenged each other in a loose change war to see which hall can raise the most money. Every Thursday night students in those halls will sell grilled cheese sandwiches, the proceeds going to disaster relief.

For more information on these and other activities, contact Mary Atteberry, director of University Communications, at matteberry@uindy.edu.
For further updates, please visit http://www.uindy.edu/hurricane/

Saint Mary’s College offers admission to students displaced by Katrina
September 7, 2005

NOTRE DAME, Ind.—An emergency admission policy developed by Saint Mary’s College makes it possible for students displaced by Hurricane Katrina to enroll at the all women’s college. “It’s incumbent upon us, as a Catholic college committed to service, to assist students and support colleges and universities in the Gulf region,” says Saint Mary’s College President Carol Ann Mooney.

One student from Chicago who intended to start her first year at Tulane University in New Orleans began classes at Saint Mary’s on Monday.

Under the new policy, qualifying students will be admitted as visiting students, defined as those attending on a temporary basis until they’re able to return to their original place of enrollment. Visiting student enrollment is based on the availability of classes and the college’s ability to offer coursework suitable to her intended program of study.

Saint Mary’s will charge tuition at the same rate as a student’s home institution, and will forward that money on to the student’s original school. If a student has already paid her home institution, no additional tuition will be collected by Saint Mary’s.

“We want to make this process as simple as possible, considering all of the upheaval these young women have already experienced,” says Daniel Meyer, vice president for enrollment management.

The deadline for completion of enrollment is noon on Tuesday, Sept. 13. The office of admission will work with each student on an individual basis to determine the documents necessary to complete the enrollment process.

For additional information, contact:  Daniel Meyer, vice president for enrollment management, 800-551-7621, dmeyer@saintmarys.edu.

TAYLOR HURRICANE RELIEF RESPONSE INCLUDES TRIPS, FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Upland, Ind. – Taylor University students, faculty and staff are responding to Hurricane Katrina with planned trips, an offering, assistance with local evacuees and prayer.

Local relief efforts continue, with students and staff assisting with sorting and boxing donations in Marion, Indiana, to be used by the evacuees there. Others are providing telephone coverage for local Red Cross office staff. Social Work majors conducted interviews of the displaced persons from Slidell, Louisiana, by invitation of Bridges to Health (part of Marion General Hospital).

Plans are underway for upcoming Fall Break trips (additional information to be announced soon) and a student Skip-a-Meal, with proceeds from the meals not eaten in the Hodson Dining Commons being donated to relief efforts.

An offering was also taken during Friday's Chapel service and monetary donations are being accepted through Friday, September 16, in the Campus Ministries Office.

The alumni relations office continues to receive updates from those in the affected Gulf Coast areas, including 1980 alumnus Scott White who weathered the storm but sustained property damage nearly 100 miles west of the eye of the hurricane’s landfall; and Whitney Fry, a 2003 graduate who is getting her Master's degree at Tulane University.

"As we develop a coordinated response that will be used by the Lord to minister His love and provide financial resources to those suffering from the loss of loved ones, belongings, and homes, we encourage the members of our Taylor University community to lift the impacted people and communities, as well as our national and state leaders who are developing relief and redevelopment plans, in prayer," said Dr. Stephen Bedi, university provost. "This is a devastating incident of catastrophic level. May God give us all wisdom in the days ahead."