Alumni Association Responds to Hurricane Relief Effort
(JACKSON, Miss.)- In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the overwhelming support offered by Jackson State University to displaced students, faculty and staff of affected universities and families of current students has been enormous.
Holding true to the mission of Jackson State and the need to help others, the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. (JSUNAA) has pledged to support Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The JSUNAA has reached out to Jackson State alumni nationwide in an attempt to encourage JSU alumni to donate a minimum of $10 to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Relief Fund. With over 64,000 alumni nationwide, this effort would contribute over $640,000 to those affected by the hurricane in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.
In a letter to alumni, the JSU National Alumni Association President Hilliard Lackey, III, Ph.D. said, “We urge Jacksonians to lend voluntary support where feasible and host displaced families where appropriate.”
The Bush-Clinton Katrina Relief Fund is a private charitable organization formed by former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton who were successful in raising more than $1 billion to support Tsunami relief efforts. All funds donated to the Bush-Clinton Relief Fund will be disbursed to the governors of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. The governors will then distribute funds to affected citizens in various ways. Funds donated to this relief effort are tax-deductible.
“Our mission statement not only includes academic excellence and research but also redoubtable service.” said Lackey. “Let us rise to the occasion and render service to those who desperately need us at this point in time.”
Lackey applauds individual efforts, but encourages formal voluntary efforts through credible organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
“I think it is a good thing that the JSUNAA is encouraging its alumni and friends to give to the relief effort,” said Vera Mustafa a 1989 JSU graduate.
JSU alumni that participate in any Hurricane Katrina volunteer relief effort are asked to represent the university by wearing Jackson State attire such as T-shirts and caps. Additionally, JSUNAA suggests that contributions made by check to the effort have Jackson State’s name written in the memo line as reference point.
“In a time of human suffering and despair, it makes me proud to be a graduate of this great institution when so many can come together to support such a human and noble effort,” said Mustafa.
If you are interested in donating to the Bush-Clinton Relief Fund, visit www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org or send donations by mail to Office of President George H. W. Bush, Re: Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, 10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 900 Houston, TX 77024 or Office of President William J. Clinton, Re: Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, 55 W125th St., New York, NY 10027.
For more information on JSUNAA Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, contact Hilliard L. Lackey, III, Ph.D at (601) 979-2281 or by email at hlackey@bellsouth.net.
