September 1, 2017

College of Fine Arts, SVO, WSU Athletics offer a helping hand to south Texas college / universities

The College of Fine Arts has informed a number of higher education institutions in the Houston area that it will do whatever it can to offer sanctuary as needed. With President John Bardo's support, the College of Fine Arts has offered to temporarily house students or faculty if needed, add students to classes we are already offering and arrange for groups of faculty and students to use our facilities and equipment to preserve program continuity. All of this would be provided without any consideration of payment.

Members of WSU's Student Veterans Organization (SVO) are banding together to help the Hurricane Harvey relief effort in the Houston area. A collection point for survivors and first responders was set up in the Student Military and Veteran Center in 105 Grace Wilkie Hall. Initially, nonperishable food items " excluding water bottles " were requested. Go to http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/stories/story.asp?si=3759 to find out more.

The Wichita State Athletic Department has also been doing what it can to help, such as:

- Working to collect toiletry items, apparel and shoes for the families impacted by Hurricane Harvey. These will be shipped this week.

- The men's basketball and baseball programs sent a donation to the University of Houston, which included clothing items and shoes.

- Wichita State women's basketball student-athlete Rangie Bessard, a Houston native, is working with all of the student-athletes to secure donations.

- WSU cross country coach Kirk Hunter organized a way for donations to take place at the JK Gold Classic last weekend.

You are invited to share any other examples of WSU connections made to the storm victims via email at wsutoday@wichita.edu.