Release

UAlbany Donates $46K for Hurricane Katrina Relief

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 10, 2005) -- Today the University at Albany presented the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York and the Northeast Regional Food Bank/America's Second Harvest with donations totaling $46,826.46 to aid Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Proceeds are the result of the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund established by UAlbany President Kermit L. Hall in September and supported by the University Auxiliary Services.

"Once again the University at Albany community has demonstrated the kind of compassion that characterizes all great institutions of higher education. It's a great reminder that when the chips are down for others, UAlbany comes through," said President Hall.

The university community raised $23,413.23, and University Auxiliary Services (UAS), the not-for-profit corporation that provides quality of life services for students such as dining, banking, and book store facilities, met this contribution with a matching donation.

"Hurricane Katrina was an extraordinary disaster, to which the university replied in an extraordinary way," said UAS Executive Director Julia Filippone. "Our students will someday be the government and business leaders who respond to national crises. It was incumbent upon UAS to respond generously but responsibly within our means, in order to set a good example of corporate social responsibility for our students."

The relief organizations were selected based on their proven track record for dealing with natural disasters and on the various needs of those affected by the hurricane. Financial support is crucial in targeting relief efforts in the most efficient manner and directly where it's needed most.

Funds were divided equally between the relief organizations.