As the semester draws to a close, Katrina-displaced students Jackie Mabry and Jason Rosenberg prepare to return to college in Louisiana. Cleanup is nearly complete at both Tulane and Loyola universities in New Orleans, and both schools reopen in January.

“McDaniel was my first college experience, and it has been a great experience,” Rosenberg said.

After Katrina hit, the Owings Mills native returned home and took advantage of McDaniel’s offer of free tuition for the fall semester.

Mabry, a freshman at Loyola University in New Orleans, had family in Louisiana who evacuated after Katrina. She came to Maryland, where other members of her family live.

“I got a lot out of my classes and gained a lot from being here,” Mabry said.

Professors felt an affinity for Mabry and Rosenberg as they studied English, Philosophy, Political Science, and Psychology at the College.

 “They’re the kind of students that you love to have in class because they’re attentive and very bright,” said Assistant Professor of Political Science Debora Johnson-Ross, who taught both students. “They added a lot to the class. I’ll be sorry to see them go.”

Despite enjoying their time at McDaniel College, Mabry and Rosenberg say they are excited to return to Louisiana and the campuses they chose, but never got to know.

“I talked to my roommate, and he’s coming back too,” Rosenberg said. “I can’t wait to meet him again.”