News & Events
Dollars for Dillard
From left, Russell K. Hotzler, Vera Weeks, Mary Alice Browne, Marc Barnes and Robert Cermele
City Tech President Russell K. Hotzler, Professor Mary Alice Browne, chair of the Black Women's Networking Committee and the Black Faculty & Staff Association, and the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY (PSC/CUNY) hosted a reception on February 16, 2006, for Marc Barnes, director of major gifts and planned giving at Dillard University in New Orleans. During the event, Professor Browne presented Barnes with a check representing funds raised by the two City Tech groups to assist with the establishment of an undergraduate research program at Dillard and the refurbishing of its library, which was badly damaged during Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to Barnes, Browne and Hotzler, other speakers included Vera Weeks, co-chair of the PSC/CUNY's Legislative Committee, and Robert Cermele, City Tech PSC/CUNY chapter chair. A PSC Katrina Fund was established last fall in partnership with Dillard to support the rebuilding and reopening of the historically black institution, established in 1869 and ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the South. This is the first such partnership for the union and provides members university-wide with an opportunity to actively work with a 137-year-old sister college that takes enormous pride in itself and its graduates.
In late August 2005, the entire campus was successfully evacuated as Katrina approached. The devastating storm caused a breach of a floodwall and levee -- a structural failure that left much of New Orleans and the Dillard campus completely or partially under water.
“As we watched the devastation unfold on our televisions, there were moments when we could not believe what was happening,” said Professor Browne in her opening remarks. “We watched as your land became water and the water moved whatever was in its path. We felt anguish, anger and helplessness and knew that we had to do something to extend ourselves in some way, for all of that water had also moved us.”
During fall semester 2005, City Tech student, faculty and staff groups raised thousands of dollars for various Katrina relief efforts. Contributions continue to be made through the City Tech Foundation at 718.260.5025. In addition, gifts in support of the Dillard University initiative can be made through the PSC/CUNY Credit Union by calling 212.302.1954.
02/23/06
Photo by Alberto Vargas
