When RPI Relief was formed in January, its primary focus was the tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia. Members wanted to make sure, however, that it could go back into action in the future if needed. Although no one could have predicted the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the group has kicked in immediately to raise awareness across campus. “You see the pictures, and you watch the news,” said Kevin Ly ’06, “But it’s just so powerful.”
The Student Senate is planning to pass a resolution Wednesday night challenging the student body to collectively exceed the $35,000 contribution made by the Institute. According to the resolution, each Senator will contribute $10 as an act of good faith to go along with the challenge.
Last semester, RPI Relief was able to raise over $10,000 for tsunami relief through the efforts of over 25 student groups. This hurricane-specific relief effort will be run similarly, with many individual fundraising efforts from organizations within the RPI community. The group met twice over the weekend to focus on two things: helping to ease the transition for incoming students, and raising money for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
RPI Relief is planning to reach out to those in the Institute’s Gulf Coast Visiting Scholars program that will enroll up to 100 visiting students from Tulane and Xavier. “Some have lost everything they own, some have lost their homes,” said Cynthia Smith, assistant dean of the Office of the First Year Experience. She explained, “It would be wonderful to share the Rensselaer experience with these students and help them through this time.” FYE is offering orientation events to the incoming students in place of the Navigating Rensselaer and Beyond program. Orientation sessions began on Tuesday, and events will continue through the end of September.
To assist in this transition, RPI Relief plans to develop a mentoring program to pick up where FYE leaves off. Visiting scholars will be paired with RPI students in an attempt to connect them with resources both on and off campus. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is encouraged to submit a form listing their academic concentration, extracurricular activities, and other background information. These forms, along with further instructions, will be available on the RPI Relief website and in the FYE Office later this week. Incoming students will have access to the compiled list of volunteers, and will have the opportunity to select their mentor. FYE will provide any required training for mentors, and will hold an event during the week of September 19 to acquaint the students opting to participate in the program.
RPI Relief is currently researching fundraising methods, and will be putting together a campus-wide program as quickly as possible. The group is planning to hold a themed dinner on Thursday, November 22, to raise money and awareness for the cause. Students will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in advance for the celebration, which will be held to honor the victims of Hurricane Katrina and show support for the Visiting Scholars. Incoming students will be invited to help with the planning of this event.
Many initiatives are already underway across campus to aid the hurricane victims. Students interested in making a monetary donation are encouraged to stop by the Alpha Phi Omega office in Union Room 3420, where a collection is being taken. All of the money collected will go directly to a relief agency.
For those looking for other ways to contribute, FIJI is sponsoring a blood drive at the Mueller Center next Tuesday, from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. They encourage the RPI community to donate, as the American Red Cross is looking for blood donors to replenish supplies.
Circle K has been working with Kiwanis to circulate a list of donated items available to those participating in the Visiting Scholars program. Additionally, RPI Relief is organizing a collection of supplies for affected students, including blankets, sheets, and winter clothing. A list of the needed items and collection points will be posted later in the week.
For an up-to-date listing of special events, involved student groups, and progress, visit the RPI Relief website. A link can be found on the main page of the FYE website at http://www.fye.rpi.edu/. RPI Relief meetings are open to the public, and will be held on Mondays at 7 pm in Academy Hall.
