Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region in August and schools around
Washington have stepped forward to do their part in assisting displaced students from the areas affected by the storm.
Evergreen has enrolled five students whose schools were impacted by Katrina; four of the students are living in on-campus housing. The college is assisting displaced students with community, medical and other resources as well as waiving tuition for at least two quarters.
Three of the five students are from the University of New Orleans, and one each from
Loyola University New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana University.
Aside from Evergreen’s efforts to support students affected, campus fundraisers have been held as well as other events supporting the relief effort. On Sept. 22, Evergreen
President Thomas L. “Les” Purce was the master of ceremonies at a well-attended benefit performance at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, and in mid-October,
Evergreen’s Master of Public Administration Student Union sponsored a panel discussion and forum on public policy surrounding Katrina and accepted donations for the American
Red Cross.
"Our primary goal is to assist the institutions affected by supporting the academic work of their students until they can return," says President Purce.
Some schools in the disaster region are well underway with their recovery efforts.
The college also has five continuing students who call the areas directly affected by
Katrina home. The Office of Student Affairs has been in close contact with those students as well and is offering assistance.