A LETTER TO THE JCU COMMUNITY FROM FATHER NIEHOFF

August 31, 2005


Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

The John Carroll University community has always responded generously in times of crisis. In 1992 and 1993 teams of students and staff traveled to the flood ravaged St. Louis area to help clean-up homes and community centers. In 1999 a team traveled to coastal North Carolina devastated by hurricane Floyd to assist in the recovery efforts. In 2000 you extended your generosity and compassion after Hurricane Mitch to the people of El Salvador and Nicaragua, and again in 2001 following the dual earthquakes in El Salvador. Now, as we watch video footage of the effects of hurricane Katrina, we again ask for your generous support for our neighbors in the Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida Panhandle areas.

Right now it is too early to determine the specific ways we can help in this situation. Disaster recovery teams are currently involved in emergency rescue operations throughout the affected area. When these efforts are completed they will begin damage assessment and clean-up efforts; however, based on our experiences, we do know that there will be two critical needs:  monetary donations and clean-up volunteers.

I am designating the Campus Ministry Department and the Center for Community Service to organize our response to this tragic disaster.

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities [AJCU] has been coordinating a response to the many inquiries Jesuit universities [including JCU] have received from Loyola students [and others]. There is great uncertainty regarding when the many universities located in the disaster area will be able to resume classes. JCU, along with the other Jesuit schools, is ready to assist the students but needs to coordinate our plans with the Loyola New Orleans leadership.

After the devastating Hurricane Katrina hit their area, we have learned that all of the students and staff at Loyola University of New Orleans and Spring Hill College in Mobile are safe. Please pray for those who are mourning family and friends and those who are uncertain about their futures.

We will keep you informed as we obtain more information.

Thank you in advance for your generous and compassionate response.

Yours in Christ,

Robert L. Niehoff, S.J.
President