Wheaton rallies in support of
Gulf Coast residents
News @ Wheaton, September 2005
The Wheaton community is banding together in support of those living in the Gulf Coast regions ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in late August.
Students, faculty and staff gathered in the Balfour-Hood Atrium on September 6 to voice their concern and explore ways to take immediate steps to support the relief efforts while also planning long-term action.
Many of those in attendance volunteered to help with activities that will include collecting supplies and cash donations, sponsoring fundraising events on campus, and investigating direct service opportunities during January, spring and summer breaks.
Four working groups, each led by a student convener, were established to organize the activities. Ideas for possible fund-raising events included a dodgeball tournament, a "dating auction," arts performances, and events for parents and alumnae/i at Homecoming.
"Students, staff and faculty were united in our determination that it is important for each of us to take action," wrote Dean Sue A. Alexander in a message to the community that reported on the meeting.
Javier Ruedas, visiting assistant professor of anthropology, spent 13 years in New Orleans, earning his graduate degrees from Tulane University. Ruedas made an impassioned plea for the rebuilding of the flooded city, citing the Big Easy's unique contributions to the nation's history, culture and democratic values.
"I could teach a whole course on it," he said. "This country cannot be without New Orleans. Whatever we can do, we should do it. It can't be allowed to die. It can't be allowed to disappear. Go down, spend some time, help build houses.... This city is crucial. It's one of the life bloods of the United States of America."
Some speakers rose to express feelings of heartbreak or helplessness at the vast scale of the disaster and its toll on human life. Others criticized the efficacy of the federal government's emergency response to the crisis. But the resounding theme was a call for action.
"It's not enough to sit in front of your TV and say, 'Oh, those poor people. Something should be done,'" one student said, urging everyone in the room to get involved and encourage others to do likewise.
"We don't have to galvanize the whole community around one thing," Dean Alexander added later. "We can do a variety of things now and throughout the year."
Groups across campus went straight to work putting plans into action. Student-designed tee-shirts are now on sale to benefit the relief efforts, and a group of students, faculty and staff organized under the name of ARK—Arts Relief for Katrina—is planning various measures, including contributing a percentage of the gate from theatre productions and holding an art show and sale during Homecoming.