Campus Hurricane Katrina Relief

A message from Chancellor Betz regarding relief
efforts

September 2, 2005

Dear UW-River Falls Community:

Since Monday we have watched and listened in mounting disbelief as the calamity along the US Gulf Coast seems to bring grimmer news with each day. Some of the scenes are reminiscent of Rwanda or Somalia. We are still unable to capture the full spectrum of the situation. To say this is unprecedented in US history appears to be both accurate and an understatement. Thousands of people are in desperate need.

Many of you are already responding in your own way. Our own Ogden Rogers and Susie Zimmer and others have encouraged us to support the Red Cross and other relief agencies.

UW-River Falls will also step up in this time of need. Blake Fry and Gregg Heinselman are initiating efforts to involve students and to identify ways for all of us to assist. Beyond the emergency, first responder relief that must be provided quickly and efficiently, there will be a more protracted reconstruction process which will last for a long time. Please check the UW-River Falls website and your e-mail often as our response continues and updates are available.

We will identify a school, school district, college, university, library, or college community in need of on-going assistance. We plan to “adopt” or form a brother/sister relationship and work with our new partner over an extended period. Immediate needs must be met, but long-term renewal is equally challenging. As individuals, small towns, a large city and whole states begin to recover and reframe their futures, I believe that there is a service leadership role for each of us and for UW-River Falls to willingly embrace.

I thank you now for stepping up and helping the people at the other end of the Mississippi. We hold them in our thoughts and assist them with our actions and generosity as the coming days will teach us more of the reality none could have imagined only one week ago.

Sincerely,
Don Betz