Fresno State Offers Various Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

California State University, Fresno has joined the nationwide drive to provide support and aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast including efforts by the CSU system, student organizations and the Bulldogs Athletics Department.

Yesterday, the California State University announced that its 23-campuses will admit displaced students from Gulf Coast area colleges, as well as California students who had planned to attend a college in that region.

Fresno State is not among the seven CSU campuses that currently have some spaces available in their fall classes but, on a case-by-case basis, will consider any request it receives and make an effort to accommodate students in need, said Bernard Vinovrski, associate vice president of Enrollment Services in the Division of Student Affairs.

"Fresno State is at capacity but a catastrophe has struck our nation and we will do whatever we can to help displaced students who contact us," Vinovrski said. "We can accommodate students on this emergency basis."

Anyone wishing to inquire about emergency admission to Fresno State may call (559) 278-4639. Callers should leave their contact information on the voicemail, which will be checked frequently for immediate response, Vinovrski said.

The Athletics Department also announced yesterday that it will accept donations during Fresno State's season opening game against Weber State on Sept. 10.

Bulldog student-athletes will solicit donations during the pre-game tailgate functions, at Bulldog Boulevard and during the game itself. Red Cross stations will also be manned at various locations throughout Bulldog Stadium for those who wish to donate. All proceeds will be turned over to the American Red Cross to assist with the hurricane relief efforts.

On the broader university front, Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning (CESL) and the Division of Student Affairs are marshaling forces to coordinate various individual efforts by students and campus organizations.

The two offices are coordinating a meeting for representatives from all student clubs and organizations on Wednesday, Sept. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in Family Food Science Bldg, Rm. 213. (Located at end of Campus Drive, access from Barstow Ave.)

"Our hope is to build momentum for a university-wide response with the aim of raising at least $1 from every student, staff and faculty member at Fresno State - there's about 23,000 of us -- toward relief efforts," said Chris Fiorentino, director of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning.

He said the community is invited to participate in relief effort donations and encouraged students to find matching donors - parents, alumni, businesses.

He noted that many different organizations will participate in relief campaigns - citing four that he is aware of - and that a united effort will be helpful. Additionally, his office can assist with contacting appropriate relief agencies - such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army among others -- who will make sure donations get where they need to go.

Some of the university efforts, in addition to Athletics, are "Operation Love" by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and the Smittcamp Honors College. Others have also inquired.

Students who are interested in participating or have a project under way are asked to contact the SCS office at (559) 278-7079.

Information about the university-wide Hurricane Katrina relief aid drive will be updated regularly on www.FresnoStateNews.com.

Media Contacts:
Tom Uribes at (559) 278-5366 or 246-1717
Shirley Armbruster at (559) 278-2795 or 593-1815