The Saint Rose Chronicle

Issue date: 1/20/10 Section: News

Saint Rose student Shena Louissaint with her mother, who was born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The devastating earthquake that shook the already poverty-stricken country of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, has garnered worldwide attention and support. Reaching a magnitude of 7.0, this natural disaster killed thousands in the nation's capital of Port-au-Prince, leaving the country in shambles and its residents stripped of the basic resources needed to survive.

Like many individuals and organizations to respond to Haiti's call for help, the Saint Rose Community is determined to reach out to those in need.

One student in particular has already made a tremendous effort to move students and staff to support Haiti. Shena Louissaint, a junior at The College, is passionate about raising awareness and giving back to a country that is so much a part of her identity. Having family members in Haiti, Louissaint feels compelled to make a difference.

"Haiti is a second home to me," she said. "I know the language, I know the culture. And I don't want to drop the ball on this."

Both of Louissaint's parents were born and raised in Port-au-Prince, and she has many relatives that were still there at the time of the earthquake. Her extended family members on her mother's side have survived the devastation, but Louissaint is waiting to hear from her father's side, keeping them in her thoughts.

Upon hearing the news, her "tears were unstoppable" as she prayed for her family's well-being. Within 24 hours of the quake, Louissaint found the strength to take action-reaching out to college faculty members, pleading for their help and support. Their hopeful responses gave her the "boost of confidence" she needed to go through with a plan of action.

"I knew if I was part of a dynamic team who cared to impact lives on the Saint Rose Campus than no goals to help my Haiti would be impossible," she said.

On Thursday, January 14, a committee of students and officials met in the President's office to discuss ways to help.

"I think there's a lot the college can do as far as adopting this as a cause," said President R. Mark Sullivan at the meeting.

Proposed ideas include the organization of a student benefit concert, and a "pass the hat" at home basketball games and other college functions to collect donations. Tables will be set up on campus, and a fundraiser was tentatively planned for Spring Advisement Day.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools