McDaniel students, faculty, and staff have raised more than $5,000 through the Katrina Area Relief Fund (KARE). Two matching donors will bring the total to more than $15,000.

“I would like to thank the whole campus, because I am from Louisiana and what happened is just awful,” said Cathy Bodin, adjunct lecturer in foreign languages. “Any help that’s been given to victims is heartwarming.”

The money will be donated to the American Red Cross and Dillard University, which sustained nearly $400 million in damage.

“The donation is a gesture of solidarity with a sister institution,” said Foreign Languages Professor Tom Deveny, who helped with the KARE efforts. “Dillard is a liberal arts college of approximately the same size as McDaniel, and it was very hard hit.”

All of Dillard’s campus buildings sustained water, fire, and wind damage. Dean of Students Phil Sayre says the donation from McDaniel should be put into perspective.

“To understand the impact of our contribution, we have to remember that we are part of a larger effort,” Sayre said. “Contributions from across the nation and around the world add up and will make a significant difference, for Dillard and for the overall response of the American Red Cross.”

Fraternities and sororities took a leading role in raising money throughout the semester. Sigma Phi Epsilon held a car wash that raised more than $1,000.

“All the Greeks got behind it. We were doing something good and working together. Phi Sigma came out in droves to help,” said Sigma Phi Epsilon President Chris DeRose ’07.

Alpha Nu Omega sorority and the DIVAs Affinity House collected donations, Phi Mu sorority held a bake sale, and Alpha Phi Omega service group sold Mardi Gras necklaces.

First-year students in Art and Art History Assistant Professor Susan Scott’s class organized sales of T-shirts featuring the McDaniel arch and a heart. The T-shirt was designed by McDaniel alumna Jessica Watson ’05 and made by Rusty Haak ’05. Amber Maurer ’09 helped with the sales effort, which raised about $2,400.

“The high point for me was when the same people kept on coming up to the table to buy multiple T-shirts for their loved ones,” Maurer said. “I learned that helping out fellow Americans no matter where they live in the U.S. is important in order to keep the country tied together.”

The College opened its doors to two students from hard-hit universities in New Orleans and offered a tuition-free fall semester.

The Happy Helpers Affinity House led a card drive to lend encouragement for those in need. Additionally, the College sponsored a Cajun dinner, a beignet sale, wine tasting for faculty and staff, and a silent auction. A portion of the proceeds from the “Taste of Islam” dinner was also donated to the KARE effort.

Benefit concerts entertained as they raised money. The traveling South African Group Thula Sizwe made a stop at McDaniel. Other performance groups included Music Lecturer Bo Eckard’s Jazz Workshop, Almas de Mexico, West African Percussion Ensemble, and Escole de Samba (Brazilian Music).

Honors students publicized and sold tickets for several of the fund-raising activities.

“I had an overwhelming response of students willing to help,” said Honors Community Service Chair Lindsey Keller ’07. “This freshman class in Honors is very outgoing, and everyone wants to get involved.”

The money will be donated by the beginning of spring semester, according to Jean Shin, associate dean for first-year students. Although the KARE effort is ending, students’ involvement with Katrina aid will continue.

English Lecturer Jennie Wollenweber will lead a Jan Term course “Louisiana: Natural and Social Restoration,” in which she will take students to New Orleans to help non-profit and government organizations rebuild.

Wollenweber’s inspiration for the course was similar to what sparked the formation of KARE – students’ desire to help those in need in any way they can.