The Simmons Voice

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Aileen Gerhart The Student Life Division and the Office for Spiritual Life organized Stand for Haiti, an event designed to discuss the tragedy and ways to help.

The staff and students of Simmons College have provided support for Haiti in the wake of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. The initial response has been directed toward emergency relief agencies. The College is also focused on lending mental and emotional support to those in the Simmons community affected by the earthquake.

As students began the spring semester, the College launched the Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts Web page, meant to provide those at Simmons with ways to contribute to the cause or seek personal help, both on and off campus.

Events across campus have raised nearly $4,000 for emergency relief efforts. Well attended by staff and students, these events have also been created to reach out to members of the College who are coping with the effects of the earthquake. According to Dean of Student Life Sarah Neill, the College is creating programs to further raise funds and assist the people of Haiti as different needs emerge in the coming months.

"We are all deeply shocked and saddened by news of the earthquake in Haiti," said President Helen Drinan in a statement posted on the Haitian Earthquake Relief Web page.

One of the first relief events at Simmons was a breakfast fundraiser sponsored by the Simmons Staff Council and Aramark. More than 100 people attended the breakfast on Jan. 19, which raised over $2,400 for the Red Cross.

Stand with Haiti was organized by the Student Life Division and the Office of Spiritual Life. Members of the College gathered in the Kotzen Room on Jan. 21 to discuss their reactions to the earthquake, and ways the Simmons community can contribute to rebuilding Haiti. Jennifer Roy, chaplain to the Catholic community, talked about the religion and spirituality of the people of Haiti. While Catholicism is Haiti's official religion, Voodoo is practiced locally. The two religions are often practiced together. The social and political history of Haiti was also discussed as a way to honor the resilience of the Haitian people.

"This is not only a test for Haiti, but for all of us," said education professor Darren Graves, referring to the need for international support. Over $1,500 was raised at this event and the 156 students that donated a meal from their campus food plan to fast in solidarity with the people of Haiti.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools