University Responds to the Needs of Hurricane Survivors and Welcomes New Students

As the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina continued to mount, the Howard University community rose swiftly to provide a broad range of outreach services and assistance to the affected Gulf Coast citizens. On Sept. 6, President H. Patrick Swygert, Provost Richard English Ph.D., Associate Provost Alvin Thornton, Ph.D., members of the Louisiana State club, Campus Pals, faculty, staff and student body gathered at the Carnegie Building to participate in an abbreviated Pinning Ceremony, welcoming nearly two dozen students from Xavier, Dillard, Southern (New Orleans campus) and Tulane universities were admitted to Howard. One hundred and forty-six were accepted for admission, and at press time, 67 students were registered for class. “We will work hard so the students don’t have any more inconveniences beyond those they have already endured,” said Thornton. “We are working hard to get them into school so they can continue their educations and be ready when, or if, they decide to return to their schools.”

Swygert welcomes Louisiana students to the Howard family as English stands at right in back.

Realizing the widespread impact, the University not only pledged its commitment to its newest enrollees, but also to the students from those areas who were already enrolled at Howard. "Certainly, our hearts go out to all those who have been affected, particularly our students from those areas, who must now pursue their education a midst tremendous challenges. Be assured, we are reaching out to all the survivors within and outside our campus community," said Swygert.

Not only are the students receiving support in the form of special $1000 grants and donated necessities, but Howard University Radio WHUR-96.3FM is sponsoring a three-day radio-thon on Sept. 28-30, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to collect specific clothing and toiletries for all the Howard students affected by the tragedy.

The faculty, staff and students from both the University and the Hospital also have been lending their services -- medical, dental, psycho-social care, mental health services and legal assistance -- with the District of Columbia Department of Health and the American Red Cross to aid the 400 displaced survivors who were flown to the city to be sheltered at the D.C. Armory.

In addition, to aid in the dissemination of information, the University launched www.HBCUrelief.org. It is a national reference point containing links to message boards and national relief organizations, as well as information on how to donate and/or volunteer to the effort and locate missing persons.

“Howard University extends its deepest sympathies to all those who have been impacted by the disaster wrought by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast states,” says Swygert. “As we move forward, Howard continues to stand prepared to assist in whatever way we can.”

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References:

• www.HBCUrelief.org