Bill McKersie- Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 20:58:43 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bill McKersie- Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relations <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: HGSE Alumni and Friends <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: HGSE Katrina Response Update
Dear HGSE Alumni and Friends,
In the days following Hurricane Katrina, Dean McCartney wrote of her expectation that the HGSE community would rise up to meet the challenge presented by the crisis. She was not disappointed. Indeed the response from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends has been remarkable. It is truly an honor to be a part of a community that cares so much about those in need.
I want to take this opportunity to provide you with an update on our efforts and direct you to additional resources that are available on our Web site (www.gse.harvard.edu/news/katrina_resources.html).
As you know, we have opened our doors to 25 students whose pursuit of an education degree has been affected by the hurricane. Jim Stiles, associate dean for degree programs, has been in touch with colleagues at Gulf Coast schools of education to determine the best way to fill these slots. When Dean McCartney wrote to the community, she mentioned that we would do our best to assist these students with housing. Im sure it wont surprise you to know that members of the community responded with offers to open their homes for those who have been affected. In addition, the University has agreed to provide housing for any students in need. I will be in touch if these students need any other forms of support.
In addition to opening their homes, members of the community have been extremely generous in providing financial support to those in need. At just one event last week, faculty, staff, and doctoral students raised an initial $4,000 for victims of the hurricane. This total will be matched by the university as part of its fundraising efforts.
Though the university will only be matching donations from current students, faculty, and staff members, we encourage you to visit our Katrina Response Web site (www.gse.harvard.edu/news/katrina_resources.html) if you are interested in learning more about giving opportunities. In addition to the major relief organizations, we have included links to groups that are raising funds or supplies for education-specific needs. It is important to note that while attention to this issue may dissipate in current months, the need will remain great for years to come.
While financial contributions remain the encouraged method of supporting the relief effort, we also must consider the unique role that the HGSE community can play in helping the thousands of students who have had their educational experience interrupted as a result of the hurricane. We have been in contact with education commissioners and superintendents in the affected areas and stand ready to help. When we learn more about their specific needs, we will provide information to you through our Web site.
In addition, the Commonwealth Deans Group, which includes the dean from each school of education in Massachusetts, has agreed to work cooperatively to pool our resources and leverage our collective efforts and information. The group has met each of the last two weeks to strategize and share information. Boston College has agreed to host a Web site that can serve as a clearinghouse for information sharing, education needs and opportunities to assist those displaced by the storm.
I know that all of you have given in your own way: some have taken leaves of absence and are teaching displaced students; others have given financially; still more have given thoughts and prayers to those in need. The outpouring of support from members of this community has been amazing. I have never been prouder to call myself an alumnus of the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Best,
Bill McKersie, Ed.M.'86
Associate Dean for Development and Alumni Relationswww.gse.harvard.edu/news/katrina_resources.html
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