Open Arms
Eastern makes room for hurricane victims
Editorial Board
Issue date: 9/8/05 Section: Perspective
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Eastern opened 200 beds to students from the affected area wishing to continue classes this semester. These students will have "visiting student" status and will be offered scholarships to make up the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for as long as their home institutions are closed.
The announcement that the university was opening its doors to students affected by Hurricane Katrina was sent to 43 media and educational outlets nationwide, said Associate Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing Marc Whitt.
According to Claire Good, the associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, two students have already been admitted to Eastern.
As a result of Hurricane Katrina, students from institutions like Tulane University and the University of Southern Mississippi are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding their lives. The efforts of not only Eastern, but universities across the country to help those in need continue their education are proof that people can and do come together in times of crisis.
Compared to many other universities, Eastern is a small community, but it still has the opportunity to make a difference, and it's been doing just that.
The Student Athletes Advisory Committee raised more than $1,500 for the American Red Cross at Saturday's football game, Whitt said, and a group of faculty, parents and students from Model Laboratory School took generators and supplies to Louisiana this past weekend.
All of these efforts should be commended and further efforts encouraged. Hurricane Katrina is a disaster that has affected every corner of our country, and rebuilding the Gulf Coast is going to take the help and support of many from both large and small communities, including Eastern.