The following message was posted on the SASFAA Listserv September 2.
I realize that each and every member of SASFAA is deeply concerned about our colleagues, their families, students and all individuals affected by the recent devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina. As you know, I asked you several days ago to keep these individuals in your thoughts and prayers. I have been making daily efforts to obtain more information that I might share with you.
I have spoken with Ruth Strum, president of the Florida association. As you know the hurricane hit south Florida a few days before marching north to the gulf coast. Ruth has indicated that south Florida is slowly recovering and that colleges there were closed for just a few days. We continue to keep folks in Florida in mind as they recover from this most recent hurricane. As you are well aware, many parts of Florida are still trying to recover from the horrendous hurricane season of 2004.
I also spoke with Buddy Jackson yesterday. Buddy is president of the Alabama association. He is still trying to obtain additional information to share with us concerning conditions in Alabama. He indicated the hardest hit areas were Mobil and the Gulf Shores areas. He did not have any more specific information at this particular time. As he obtains more specific information he will share with us.
I've attempted to reach Soraya Weldon, president of the Mississippi association. I have been unsuccessful in doing so. She lives in the Meridian area and was without power and many trees down. I was able to get some information from Mary Givhan, a former SASFAA president who also resides in Mississippi. She has indicated that they are still accessing the problems along the coast. As you have seen Gulfport, Biloxi and the surrounding gulf coast has been heavily destroyed as a result of Hurricane Katrina. She has heard from a few of our colleagues in Mississippi. They report no loss of life at this time from our colleagues, but heavy property damage, lack of power, water and food.
Now on top of this we are all faced with a shortage of gasoline and rapidly rising prices.
Our colleagues need our support in any way that we might be able to offer that. Remember of SWASFAA colleges from Louisiana as well.
Please consider donations to relief agencies so that food, water, clothing and shelter might be provided to the victims of the hurricane, and as always keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers.
We will be looking at ways that we as an association might be able to provide some assistance. If you have any suggestions please do not hesitate to let me know and/or any member of the SASFAA Executive Board. As I obtain more updated information, I will be sure to share that with you as well.
Guy Gibbs
SASFAA President
Northern Virginia Community College
ggibbs@nvcc.edu
Posted September 3, 2005 on www.NASFAA.org, the Web Site of the
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
Copyright 2005.
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