Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
According to community members active in the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief effort, progress is being made in providing support to affected communities. A committee formed with the support of the Lang Center in the aftermath of this year’s catastrophic hurricane season has since developed ideas for help, some of which are now coming to fruition.
For example, Swarthmore has entered into a partnership with Dillard College, a historically black institution based in New Orleans, to help provide funds to rebuild the school. Unlike some colleges in the area, Dillard cannot reopen for the spring semester. While the school hopes that a college relief bill will be passed by Congress, Swarthmore plans to lend support in the meantime.
Some funds are being raised through the sale of “Katrina Relief” t-shirts, which are still available. According to Heidi Fieselmann of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which is spearheading the effort, more than $3,500 has already been raised through sales at sporting events, Sharples, and other venues. The group plans to raise more than $5,000 by the end of the fall semester, all proceeds benefiting Dillard. Other students are planning a visit to the school to help with relief efforts on the ground during the coming semester. One can contact either Zach Moody ’07 or Heidi Fieselmann ’06 for more information.