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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 7, 2005

Contact University Communications - 559.278.2795

Message to the university community from
President John D. Welty regarding Hurricane Katrina

Dear Colleagues,

The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina is being called the largest natural disaster to ever hit the United States.  It has affected the lives of millions of people, hundreds of thousands have lost their homes, jobs, possessions, and thousands may have lost their lives.

There is, however, the opportunity to provide hope to some of the victims.  This hope stems from the generosity and caring in the citizens of this great nation, and that of our university community.  Currently, the Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, the Division of Student Affairs and the Athletics Department are spearheading the Fresno State Hurricane Relief Project.  The goal of this university-wide project is to have every single member of our university community (students, staff, faculty and administration) contribute at least $1 toward the needs of those whose lives have been forever altered by Hurricane Katrina.  We also expect that our campus effort will engage contributions and support from those outside of our university community.   Finally, we wish to encourage individuals to consider how they might contribute to the relief effort beyond monetary donations.  Here is how you can help:

  1. Donate a minimum of $1 to the Fresno State Hurricane Relief Project.  There will be numerous locations and events all over campus in the coming weeks where you will have an opportunity to donate.  All donations will be collected by the Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning and the Division of Student Affairs, and then given  to various agencies involved in the relief efforts.  One hundred percent of all donations will go to these relief agencies.  If you would like, you can send your donation directly to M/S PB 120, c/o Fresno State Hurricane Relief Project.  (Please make checks payable to “CSUF Foundation” with “Hurricane Relief Fund” in the memo section.)  You can also deliver your donation directly to the Peter’s Building Annex, Room 10 or call 278.7079 to have someone come to your office to pick-up the donation.

  2. Coordinate a donation collection event in your class, department, or office.  Put out a collection container of any type in your office; ask colleagues to donate during the next staff meeting; urge students to donate during a class donation drive; encourage any student organization you may have contact with to organize their own event to raise money.  Be as creative or straight-forward as you like, the goal is simply to spread the word and raise as much as possible for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

  3. Donate your time and professional expertise. The American Red Cross has launched the largest mobilization of resources in its 125-year history. As a result, the American Red Cross is requesting disaster volunteers to assist with their emergency sheltering mission. The greatest need is for medical and mental health professionals, yet  others are also encouraged to apply. If your assistance can be utilized, deployment will last 7 to 21 days.  Departure dates and locations are not known at this time.  All requests to directly participate in relief efforts must be approved by your supervisor and will be considered on an individual basis.  For details, please contact Sharon Martinez at the Fresno Chapter of the American Red Cross by calling 559.455.1000.

  4. Finally, spread the word.  We as educators can use this “teachable moment” to engage our students in important discussions and in getting involved. Conversations and opportunities to demonstrate the application of knowledge in areas such as political science, journalism, the physical sciences, psychology, sociology, criminology, economics and much more abound.  At the same time, this is an opportunity to talk about charity, ethics and civic engagement.  I hope that you will consider ways that you can spread the word about the Fresno State Hurricane Relief Project and use this event as a way to help our students grow intellectually and personally.

If you would like more information about the Fresno State Hurricane Relief Project, please contact Chris Fiorentino at chrisf@csufresno or by calling 278.7079.

Sincerely,

John D. Welty