Tsunami disaster response UPDATE, 5 p.m., Jan. 6

Read this note for the latest information about events and programs on the Elon campus to respond to the recent tsunami disaster in Asia...

The Elon University Tsunami Disaster Response will allow University members to respond on many levels- with their heart, mind and soul. Events to begin this process will begin Monday, Jan. 10 and will continue throughout the Winter Term.

Wall of Remembrance and Prayers

Monday, Jan. 10-Thursday, Jan. 13

McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center

During normal building operation hours

Contact: Jana Lynn Patterson, Associate Dean of Students

The University Community will have the opportunity to share prayers, condolences and wishes of hope for the future. The sentiments will be placed on a simple structure designed and constructed by the Elon University Physical Plant. The Remembrance Wall will be displayed through Thursday evening, Jan. 13. The wishes and remembrances will be compiled and forwarded to the embassies of the countries affected by the tsunami disaster. White ribbons will also be available for participants to express their support for the victims of the tsunami.

Prayer Service and Candlelight Vigil

Monday, Jan. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Global Village, McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center

Contact: Kate Colussy-Estes, Assistant Chaplain, Director of Religious Life

The Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life will lead a service of prayer and remembrance for those affected by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. With prayer and music, we will remember those who have died and those who have lost their loved ones and their homes, closing with a candlelight vigil outside of the Moseley Center.

The Effects of the Tsunami: Transforming the Globe

Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 p.m., Global Village, McKinnon Hall

Contact: Larry Basirico, Dean of International Studies and Jana Lynn Patterson, Associate Dean of Students

The effects of the tsunami disaster will change the face of global citizenship. Faculty panelists from a variety of academic disciplines will discuss the short and long term implications of the tsunami disaster. Dr. Cary Caruso will serve as the moderator and will provide initial information about the nature of the disaster. Faculty panelists will provide an intellectual foundation for considering the practical issues the world will address in the coming months and years as the affected areas begin to rebuild. Following brief remarks by each panelist, the audience may pose questions to the panelists for further discussion.

Confirmed Panelists:

  • Dr. Tom Arcaro, Sociology
  • Dr. Greg Lilly, Economics
  • Dr. Mike Kingston, Biology
  • Dr. Cindy Fair, Human Services
  • Dr. Katie King, Psychology
  • Dr. Mike Calhoun, Health Education
  • Dr. Toddie Peters, Religious Studies
  • Dr. Yoram Lubling, Philosophy
  • Dr. Kirsten Sorenson, Political Science

Fundraising/Relief Efforts

A group of interested students met on Jan. 5 and discussed ways to rally our community to participate in relief efforts for the tsunami victims. Students initiated the following three fundraising and awareness initiatives for the Winter Term. Per the requests and advice of the relief agencies, we will collect monetary donations only and will submit a University check on behalf of the contributors to the two designated agencies. The efforts will be concentrated in raising funds for more sustainable relief efforts offered by Habitat for Humanity International and Heifer International.

Special January Term Fundraising Programs

Information on Monetary Donation Collection

  • Tables in Moseley
  • Donation Jars at Acorn Coffee Shop, Cantina Roble, The Octagon Café, and Danieley Commons
  • Student Contact: Bonnie Brackett: Moseley Tables
  • Student Contact: Liz Corey: ARAMARK Locations
  • Monday-Friday, Jan. 10-14, 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday-Friday January 18-21 Times TBA
  • Students, faculty and staff can donate cash (or Phoenix Cash) to support the tsunami relief fundraising efforts.

Dining Hall Blitz

Tuesday, Jan. 11 and Tuesday, Jan. 18

11:30 am-1:30 pm, 4:30 pm-6:30 pm

Contact Person: Mirai Booth-Ong

Student members of the Residence Hall Association (RSA) will be stationed in Harden, McEwen and Danieley Dining areas to collect cash or Phoenix Card pledges from students.

Relief/Goody Walk

McKinnon Hall

Monday, January 24

11:30 am-1:30 pm

Contact Person: Linda Martindale, Secretary to the Humanities

It’s not your typical cake walk. Students, faculty and staff can walk on over to McKinnon Hall, make a donation at the door and enjoy pizza, a variety of Coca Cola products and sample delectable home baked treats donated by faculty and staff. Pizza will be donated by ARAMARK Dining Services and Coca Cola Products will be provided courtesy of Coca Cola and Auxiliary Services. All proceeds will be forwarded to Habitat for Humanity, International and Heifer International.