On December 26, 2004, an earthquake in the Indian Ocean caused a devastating tsunami to destroy large portions of Southeast Asia. Over the past few weeks since the disaster occurred, it has become increasingly evident that aid is needed in the areas affected. RPI has gone to great lengths as both an institution and a student body to provide whatever help possible.
With so many people affected by this disaster, some may be wondering if any RPI students have been personally affected. Cynthia Smith, an assistant dean for the Office of the First Year Experience, said that we “don’t have a handle on whether or not students have been affected . . . [and we] won’t know until classes start and people come or don’t come.”
According to the January 10 press release, RPI has donated $30,000 to tsunami relief efforts. The total amount was divided into three portions of $10,000 and given to AmeriCares, Oxfam America, and Save the Children in the name of the Institute. The Institute is also encouraging individuals to add to these funds by sending a check or money order, made out to one of the three organizations, to Christina Kinner, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Finance, on the fifth floor of the Troy Building by January 25.
The RPI-provided aid does not stop there. After hearing about the disaster, Nathan Woodhull sent an e-mail out to a large number of students involved in outreach and community service. “I believe that the Rensselaer community needs to respond to this disaster by working to provide funds or other resources to help those that have been affected,” Woodhull wrote.
Through his efforts, a group of over 25 students, each representing an on campus organization, convened on Monday evening to discuss possible fundraising plans, techniques, and goals. Although no events were solidified, many possibilities were discussed.
Concerns about fundraising and gathering appropriate supplies were also discussed. Jawad Beg, president of the Muslim Students Association, pointed out that “as of this point, the biggest need is money.” Brian Whipple, representing the organization Speak, pointed out that “the cost of transporting things [to the affected areas] outweighs the benefits.”
Kumar Jambunathan, president of the Interfraternity Council, came up with some ideas such as a candlelight vigil on freshman hill, raffles, and selling pizza. Kevin Ly, president of the on-campus community service club Circle K, presented his idea of a winter carnival in the Union in which the proceeds would go toward relief efforts. “It is designed to be an activities fair ... for Union funded clubs and student organizations to recruit,” Ly stated. “It will also allow for clubs to fundraise by setting up a ... game at their table,” he added.
While some fundraising is still being planned, there are other organizations that have already been bringing the news of the tsunami to campus and raising funds for relief. “The Chapel and Cultural Center has been collecting money through the parish,” Heather Scoffone of the Newman Catholic Fellowship said. Scoffone also said that “all chaplains [will be] getting together and holding an interfaith prayer service on January 27 at 3 pm.”
The on-campus chapter of the Association for India’s Development has also had their hand in raising funds to send to the affected areas. “AID has been raising funds independently to send to India,” treasurer Govind Gopakumar said. Mohan Nuggehally, project coordinator of the organization, stated that AID had been “contacting students and faculty through e-mail asking for donations.” A table was also set up in the Union for two days over the winter break in order to collect donations. Nuggehally stated that the organization was able to secure a $5,000 donation from the Hindu Temple as well as about $500 in donations from AID members, people in the area over break, and friends.
While their efforts are still continuing, Dhanya Devarajan, president of the organization, said that as of now, “there are no concrete plans” to continue with fundraising. “Time is an issue,” she pointed out. “If anyone wants to get involved with relief projects, you can come to our meetings,” Devarajan said. AID meetings are Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the DCC café. Devarajan and Nuggehally can both be contacted via e-mail at devard@rpi.edu and nuggem@rpi.edu respectively. For more information on projects currently going on with AID, visit their website at http://troy.aidindia.org.
Efforts will be continuing throughout the first half of the semester to raise money for this disaster. Be sure to keep an eye out for events hosted by various organizations around campus. If anyone is interested in making a donation through AID, it can be done by visiting their website at http://www.aidindia.org/CMS.
