Katrina's effects reach EMU campus

As Hurricane Katrina approached the Gulf Coast last week, the price of gasoline rose faster than most students had ever seen. With higher gas prices stretching their college budgets, some EMU students are looking for alternatives to driving.

Senior Danny Yoder decided to put off filling up his gas tank and to ride his bicycle instead.

"When Katrina came I started hearing gas prices would be rising and everyone was filling up their tanks, so I decided to wait a couple of weeks until it blows over. I'm going to try to wait as long as possible."

Although prices are beginning to drop, Yoder intends to continue riding his bike. "It's a habit I want to keep even after the gas prices go down...it's good to be outside and get some exercise, and not to pollute the air or buy so much gas."

Aside from finding creative ways to deal with the rise in gas prices, the EMU community is exploring a multitude of possibilities for helping hurricane victims. The efforts may involve numerous EMU organizations, such as athletic teams, the seminary, the STAR (Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience) Program, Campus Ministries, and YPCA (Young People's Christian Association).

YPCA co-president Jenee High responded to questions about whether the group would organize spring break trips to the affected Gulf Coast areas. "If there are leaders that step forward and enough interest, we will definitely make that happen."

She emphasized the importance of making "small sacrifices" as well. In a video interview shown in Wednesday's chapel, she suggested that students could take the money they would normally spend on extras like soda and donate it toward hurricane relief instead.

In addition, EMU is currently in contact with the CICV (Council of Independent Colleges of Virginia) about the possibility of opening up classes and residence halls to students who were displaced by the hurricane. Space is available for males in Oakwood and females in Roselawn, and there are also several vacant apartments.

In a "presidential update" email on Monday, EMU President Loren Swarzendruber said that EMU "could accommodate up to 20 students and that we would deal with their situations on a case by case basis...My opinion is that we should offer to receive any qualified students for study here for as long as their 'home' campuses are closed."

Many of the efforts are still in the first stages of planning. EMU is in the process of examining the areas of need and how the community could meet those needs.

"As the needs come up, we'll look to respond," said Ken L. Nafziger, vice president for Student Life.

More specific information about some of the responses will be announced in Friday's chapel. The Weather Vane will continue to cover the various opportunities to contribute to relief efforts as information becomes available.