Living Our Motto: Hurricane Katrina

President Pelton’s Letter to the University Community – September 2, 2005

Dear Colleagues,

President M. Lee Pelton The destruction to human lives and property caused by Hurricane Katrina is unprecedented in our nation’s history. I am certain that you join me in extending your thoughts and prayers to those whose lives have been harmed, in many cases, irreparably so. Our hope is that the resiliency of the human spirit as well as the compassion of others will shine a bright light on these communities, helping them to heal, recover and rebuild. In addition to thousands of citizens killed, missing or now homeless throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, more than 75,000 college and university students have been displaced by this horrific disaster.

Deans Long, Goodrich, Symeonides and Hawkinson are coordinating both academic and humanitarian efforts for the University. The College of Liberal Arts and the three professionals schools have made arrangements to accept displaced students who are in good standing and who express a desire to attend Willamette. Those students who have enrolled at institutions now being evacuated may attend Willamette tuition free for one semester. We will use national higher education websites to inform evacuated students of this option. We have enrolled two displaced students in the College of Liberal Arts already, and continue to field inquiries from displaced students and their families about this opportunity.

Dean Hawkinson will meet with the Campus Life staff and others to discuss how individuals and campus organizations might contribute their time, energy and good thinking to assist the communities affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Obviously, the greatest need right now is for financial assistance. As you well know, Willamette has a long tradition of compassionate community service. The University has established a fund to be sent to the Red Cross to aid in the relief and recovery efforts. For the faculty, students and staff who wish to make a donation to this, please forward your check, made payable to Willamette University, to the University Business Office. Please write “Red Cross” on the memo line of your check. [Please note: this was later changed so that checks should be made payable to the Red Cross.] The University will match your donations dollar for dollar.

The destruction caused by this hurricane is still being determined. I suspect it will be weeks, possibly longer, before our colleagues and friends in the Gulf states have a true picture of the depth of the damage and loss. As we learn of their needs, we will respond as effectively as possible. One bright spot to report. To the best of our knowledge, no Willamette University community members have been harmed by this disaster.

Thank you all for your deep concern.

Warm regards,

President M. Lee Pelton's signature
Lee Pelton