In response to the tsunami disaster that killed tens of thousands in South Asia, the Rensselaer community quickly mobilized to lend a helping hand. Approximately 300 Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff are from the countries directly affected by the tsunami.

In early January, President Shirley Ann Jackson announced a $30,000 contribution from the Institute to the tsunami relief efforts. The university contributed $10,000 each to AmeriCares, Oxfam America, and Save the Children.

In addition, even before the start of the new semester, Rensselaer students were working with organizations around the Capital Region to raise money and to see what more they could do. A few days after the Dec. 26 catastrophic event, the student club AID India (the Association for India’s Development) raised more than $6,000 in conjunction with a Hindu temple in Latham.

“A lot of volunteers from AID India and other nonprofit organizations jumped into the relief efforts immediately,” says graduate student Mohan Nuggehally, the club’s project coordinator. “Monetary support was essential and was a quick way to help.”

Other funds collected include $2,700 raised by the university parish Christ Sun of Justice. To show additional support, the Rensselaer community participated in an interfaith memorial service organized at the Chapel + Cultural Center in January.

The desire to continue to participate in relief efforts led undergraduate student Nathan Woodhull to rally support from student clubs across campus.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that long-term disaster relief will be required for the areas affected by this week’s tsunami,” Woodhull said in his Dec. 30 e-mail to fellow students.

As a result, nearly two dozen student club representatives gathered at the Rensselaer Union on Jan. 17, the day before classes began, to discuss fund-raising possibilities. The student group, which continues to grow, has now united under the banner “RPI Relief.”

In early February, the group held a candlelight vigil on campus. The students raised nearly $300 from the event through the sale of candles. Proceeds were donated to AmeriCares. For more information on ongoing RPI Relief efforts, go to www.fye.rpi.edu/.

Originally published in Rensselaer Magazine, Spring 2005
Photo by Michael Farrell/Times Union

Published April 1, 2005