|
Click here for the current 2007 Hurricane Relief Efforts page
The effects of Hurricane Katrina are upon us and people everywhere are attempting to do whatever they can to reduce the suffering and help secure a positive future for the thousands of people whose lives have been devastated by this disaster. I am proud to report that members of our College community have been busy making contacts in the area, donating money and other resources, and organizing efforts to help. As you read this some of our colleagues are en route to the region and others will be leaving shortly. This is a time for each of us to come to the aide of those effected through whatever actions seem most appropriate. In addition to any individual responsibility that we might feel to help, our College has an additional institutional responsibility to be of assistance. We must honor and embrace this responsibility because it is part of our mission and one of the distinguishing characteristics of our College.
Today I met with the President's Circle (Paul Burkhardt, Steven Corey and Gret Antilla) in an attempt to focus our institutional resources to be helpful. We have identified three levels of support that will be provided by the College:
Level I For those individuals who would like to make personal donations and be informed re: the emergency response needs we will continue to post information and links on our website. To the extent possible we will try to prioritize and screen the listings so that we can all rest assured that our donations will go directly to victim assistance. I expect that we'll be receiving updates and requests from our colleagues who are now in the disaster areas and we'll pass on these messages so each of us can respond as appropriate.
Level II The Prescott College community has the potential to be of service in ways that individuals cannot. For example we might decide to offer temporary housing, employment, college acceptance and other services to displaced people. Our ADP and MAP programs might be of particular help in allowing enrolled students from closed schools in the gulf region to continue their education. The exact steps we will take must be tied to the needs of those effected and the resources and capacity of Prescott College.
Level III Because Prescott College is a significant institution within the City of Prescott we might also have a role to play in supporting or helping to create ways in which our City can be of service. Perhaps we can help support the relocation efforts that are urgently underway in Phoenix and facilitate a uniquely Prescott response to helping individuals and families that are looking to find a new community in which to start over. Barbara Garvey has been in touch with the Governor’s office and representatives from the City of Prescott and she has agreed to provide leadership and direction re: these efforts.
I want to assure all members of our community that we will try to do everything we can to support the victims of the hurricane. I also want to recognize and applaud the good work and leadership provided by Joan Clingan. Prescott College will remain committed and flexible while providing the appropriate responses at all three levels as we move forward.
Please continue to monitor our web page and expect direct communications from my office with requests for specific action and suggested ways you can contribute. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.
Regards,
Dan Garvey, President
Last updated September 9, 2005.
|
