LCC musters support for Katrina victims
Laredo may be hundreds of miles away from the areas ravaged recently by Hurricane Katrina, but an all-out effort is under way at Laredo Community College to generate support for the victims of this natural disaster.
Last week, a college organization composed of clerks, administrative assistants and other support staff launched an effort at the main and south campuses to collect monetary donations to aid the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
“A fellow worker suggested that the Classified Staff Organization get involved by gathering donations,” Sarah Kortum, CSO president, explained.
“Collection points have been set up at the LCC main and south campuses,” Kortum said, “and we’re encouraging everyone to donate, whether it is pocket change or more, to help fellow Americans in dire circumstances.”
LCC President Dr. Ramon H. Dovalina commended CSO’s initial efforts to generate humanitarian support for the individuals affected by the flooding and the disaster in Louisiana, Mississippi and throughout the south gulf coast area.
Dovalina said that LCC students, faculty and Laredoans are always giving to worthy causes. He recollected last year’s student-led effort to host a relief concert to raise funds for the Tsunami victims.
He added that despite the distance, the ravaging Katrina has hit close to home. Dovalina said that Ronnie Kornick, an assistant baseball coach for LCC and a native of Chalmette, La., has experienced some personal losses. Kornick, his parents and his grandparents lost their homes.
Dovalina indicated that some of the support under way would be directed to the American Red Cross, while other aid would be directed to LCC’s community college counterpart in Gulfport.
“In addition to aiding the Red Cross’ relief efforts, Laredo Community College has decided to adopt Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as a sister institution in need,” Dovalina said. “The funds collected for this relief effort would be sent to that community college to help their students and employees in need. It would have more meaning for faculty, staff and students.”
Dovalina added that LCC is exploring other options to help out, including helping out any student in the Katrina-affected area by offering to enroll them at LCC.
“We must do what we can to assist any student that has been through this horrific experience,” Dovalina said.
Meanwhile, Kortum encourages students, faculty, staff and community to join forces and donate to this worthy cause. She said that collection buckets are located in the LCC cafeteria inside the Kazen College Center, and at the Student Activities area in the Billy Hall Student Center at LCC South.
Donations also can be submitted to the LCC President’s Office and the Marketing and Public Information Office, both located in Laird Hall, rooms 125 and 108.
Dovalina added that the Phi Theta Kappa student organization is planning to host a benefit volleyball game to raise funds for the victims.
For more information, call 721-5140 or email publicinfo@laredo.edu.
Laredo Community College student Rosalie Hinojosa, far right, is among the first to donate to the relief efforts under way at the main and south campuses. LCC staff members overseeing the collection drive are, from left, Yolanda Escobedo, Raquel Mata, Sarah Kortum and Robin Anderson.
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
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