Several University of Louisiana at Lafayette students are feeling the effects from the recent earthquake in Haiti. In a blog to the university community, UL Lafayette President Joseph Savoie said 14 students from Haiti have been personally affected by the earthquake.
“Some of the students are thankful to have received the wonderful news that their parents are alive,” he wrote. “All have lost their family homes.”
The students have decided to remain on campus and continue their studies. But most will struggle to pay their basic living expenses.
“ In addition to worries about their loved ones in Haiti, these students are also concerned about their immediate future since they are dependent on their families back home in Haiti for financial support,” Savoie wrote.
Because of this, accounts have been established at the UL Lafayette Foundation and the UL Lafayette Credit Union to accept financial donations.
Anyone interested in donating can do so online at http://ullafayettefoundation.org/Product/Default.asp. Or, donations can be dropped off at the UL Lafayette Credit Union, 619 McKinley Street. Please specify Haitian Relief Fund with your donation.
“ These students really need our help. Their homes, schools and hospitals back home in Haiti have been destroyed. Their families won’t be able to provide financially for them as they continue their studies here at UL Lafayette,” said Pat Cottonham, interim dean of students. “You can make a donation and help the lives of these young people.”
For questions about donations, email deanofstudents@louisiana.edu or call (337) 482-6276.