Contact: Joe Farris
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A relief fund established by Mississippi State's Student Association and funded by private contributions is helping university students affected by Hurricane Katrina stay in school.
MSU President Charles Lee said the level of contributions being received will ensure that no student from Katrina-impacted areas will have to leave the university this semester for financial reasons associated with the hurricane.
MSU enrolls more than 1,200 students from counties in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for individual assistance, and students in other areas suffered losses as well.
The total need for student relief at MSU is estimated at more than $500,000.Grants to students with demonstrated financial needs arising from the hurricane are being disbursed through the MSU Office of Student Financial Aid.
"One of the most important disaster recovery roles for Mississippi State University is to do everything possible to help affected students stay in school," Lee said. "Thanks to the leadership of our Student Association and the generosity of alumni, donors and friends, grants are available for this semester to every student who can demonstrate financial need in order to continue his or her education."
Early contributions to the fund included more than $15,000 collected at the season opening Sept. 3 football game at MSU. Football game parking proceeds also went into the fund, and further donations will be collected at all home football games this season.
"Many students from the affected areas have needs that many of us take for granted," said SA president Jon David Cole of Brandon. "The MSU Student Relief Fund is the manifestation of our Bulldog family's efforts to make sure these members of our community don't go without vital necessities in this hard time.
"Further contributions are needed to help affected students beyond the current semester, Lee said.
Checks payable to the MSU Foundation and designated for "Student Relief Fund" may be mailed to the MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Students seeking assistance may visit the Student Financial Aid Office at 213 Garner Hall or telephone (662) 325-2454 for more information.