Institute contributing $30,000 and organizing additional support

Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute officials have announced a $30,000 contribution to the tsunami relief efforts in South Asia, and invited members of the campus community to join in supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.

“The need is great, the cause is just, and we, as members of the global community, have the opportunity to offer aid and compassion to those who are suffering,” wrote Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson in a Jan. 5 message to the campus community.  She applauded existing group and individual efforts under way at the Institute, and urged the campus community to “join Rensselaer or contribute to a relief agency of your choice and help to mitigate the effects of this terrible tragedy.”

Institute officials will provide $30,000 — a $10,000 contribution each to AmeriCares, Oxfam America, and Save the Children — in the name of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and will collect additional contributions to those three organizations.  Background and contact information also has been provided for contributions to a dozen additional organizations.

“After learning of the earthquake and tsunami in South Asia, our first and highest priority was to reach out to our students, faculty, and staff to check on their safety and wellbeing and offer our support,” said Vice President for Student Life Eddie Ade Knowles.  “In addition, it is essential that we provide support for others touched by this unspeakable devastation.”

Approximately 300 Rensselaer students, faculty, and staff are from the countries directly affected by the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami.  Others are doing research, studying or have traveled in the affected regions, according to Knowles.

Those interested in adding their contribution to Rensselaer’s are invited to write a check or provide a money order made payable to one of the three agencies, and to send or deliver the contribution by Jan. 25, 2005 to Christina Kinner, Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Finance, Troy Building, Fifth floor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY  12180.

Letter to Campus Community on South Asian Tsunami Relief

Contact: Theresa Bourgeois
Phone: (518) 276-2840
E-mail: bourgt@rpi.edu