McDavis offers support

Published Thursday, January 6, 2005.

Ohio University President Roderick McDavis said yesterday that he wanted to express his condolences to the thousands of OU students and alumni affected by the tsunami that hit East Asia on Dec. 26. More than 250 OU students are from the affected countries, and 1,600 alumni are from Malaysia.

McDavis said he has not heard of any students or alumni being injured, and he is hopeful that will not change. "This is a tragedy beyond belief," McDavis said. "All of our students, alumni and their families are in our thoughts and prayers."

The Southeast Asian Studies Association is collecting donations at College Gate this week, according to a press release distributed at the meeting. Donations will be given to the Nurani Dunia Foundation, an Indonesian humanitarian organization. A non-denominational service will take place at 12:10 p.m. today in the First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College Street, and it will also host a fundraising dinner from 5 to 8 tonight.

The Indonesian Student Association will also host a fundraising dinner Jan. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Baker Ballroom. All proceeds will go to the Nurani Dunia Foundation.
McDavis said the International Student and Faculty Services department offers support to any students or faculty who may have been affected by the tragedy. Counseling and Psychological Services representatives will also be available to speak to individuals.
He said he plans to send a personal e-mail to all of the alumni affected and has already contacted OU students to offer support.

At his press conference yesterday, McDavis also discussed: As the Hocking River continues to rise, the university is prepared to take necessary precautions, such as closing the university, to ensure the safety of students and faculty. McDavis said no decisions have been made, but he continues to monitor the situation.

The seven-member committee reviewing the Mill Street apartment proposals has reduced construction proposals from three to two. McDavis said the committee will offer counter-proposals and a company will be selected by Jan. 7. Construction of the student center is still on schedule, and the university is considering moving the Baker University Center name to the new facility.

Director of University Relations Mary Dillon has resigned, an action that will be effective June 30. n Hub Burton, associate vice president for University Communications and Marketing, and Paul Ladwig, vice president for University Communications and Marketing, were reassigned to intercollegiate athletics for the betterment of the department, McDavis said.

Source: http://thepost.baker.ohiou.edu/Articles/News/2005/01/06/158/