This page is a collection of photogalleries and stories from myself and my friends who were affected by hurricane Katrina in late August, 2005. All media contained on this page is copyright of the respective owner and may not be reproduced in any fashion without the owners express written consent.
The Thompson Story
This was written by Mr. Thomas Thompson, the father of Rocky Thompson whom I knew since the first days at Tulane. The Thompson's are close friends who live in Slidell, Louisiana, about 45 minutes NE of New Orleans. Their house, which they built just a few years prior was designed with a Category 5 storm in mind, and has a hurricane proof shelter built into the master closet and bathroom. Katrina's eye went right over their house.
This story is copyright Thomas Thompson, and may not be reproduced, replicated, or otherwise copied from this location without the express written permission of Mr. Thompson. You may however, link directly to this page, http://www.scottrowley.com/katrina.php#Thompson.
The Thompson Story (.pdf, 850k)
My Stories
Shortly after the hurricane, I learned of a growing interest from my high-school community to hear my story. I wrote two different articles to satiate their hunger, one to the current student body, and a second specifically to the alumnae.
Both stories are copyright Scott Rowley, and may not be reproduced, replicated, or otherwise copied from this location without the express written permission of Scott Rowley. You may however, link directly to this page, http://www.scottrowley.com/katrina.php.
This first story was written for the general Seattle Academy community and a version of this was published in the October 2005 SAAS Watch.
SAAS Article 1 (.pdf, 60kb)
This second story was written for the Seattle Academy alumnae newsletter, and is scheduled to be published sometime in November, 2005.
SAAS Article 2 (.pdf, 11kb)
How to Help
In the upcoming holiday season, friends, family and familiar surroundings are most important. Many of those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will not have these luxories. I have compiled a short list of schools, agencies and goodwill efforts lead by people affected by the gulf coast tragedies. Should you wish to learn more about any organization listed on this page, feel free to contact me and I can usually put you in touch with someone I know working for the organization.
Habitat for Humanity,
Link.
Habitat for Humanity has always done a spectacular job of helping those families in need in New Orleans. Each year thousands of hours are logged by Tulane students working at build sites throughout the city. I have no doubt that as the population of New Orleans continues to grow, Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans will be busier than ever.
While I know nothing personally about this organization, I have heard the name before, and their website proclaims that they are providing toys to the children affected by the gulf coat hurricanes. To me that it good.
University of New Orleans,
Link.
The University of New Orleans is a commuter school akin to Seattle University. The majority of students are locals from the city and outlying regions. The University of New Orleans was hit fairly hard, and is struggling to get back on its feet. They have done an amazing job of starting up satelite classes at local gyms and community centers and are aiming for resuming a full course schedule in January.
Xavier University, a HBCU was one of the worst hit Universities in New Orleans. Initial media reports said that Xavier would not get back up on it's feet, but they have so far proved the media wrong. Working with smaller endowments and funding than Tulane University, the next months will be critical for Xavier's success. In an effort to unite and promote growth of New Orleans, Tulane University has offered some classroom space to Xavier University for the Spring Semester.
Dillard University,
Link.
Dillard University is in a very similar situation as Xavier University. Also an HBCU, Dillard was also hit particularly hard. Dillard's future is just as unpredictable as Xaviers, and Tulane has made a similar offer of classroom space to Dillard.
Tulane University, my home school, was also hit, although not as bad as Dillard or Xavier. At Tulane, it was primarily the students who were affected, with many of the dorm rooms having been flooded, and personal belongings ruined. While donating money to the University is not a bad idea, in my opinion, it is like giving money to FEMA or the Red Cross, you never know exactly what is going to happen to it. If you wish to donate directly to the students, there are two options I am aware of:
Nola Hurricane Fund,
Link.
While not going to students at Tulane, this organization was started following Hurricane Katrina by a group of Tulane Students wishing to give back to the surrounding community. While slightly vague, the Fund is going to sponsor New Orleans Public School familes assisting them to replace lost school supplies and providing the New Orleans public schools with a tutoring program and access to computers after school to get the students back on track.
Tulane University Campus Programming
Link.
I should preface this by saying I have a personal connection to this student organization as I am the president of it. Tulane University Campus Programming, TUCP, is charged with the task of providing quality entertainment for the students of Tulane. Generally we are funded by a student activities fee, but since that fee was not collected last semester, we are forced to operate on half of a budget. We are also teaming up with the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments to put on a Welcome Back Event for the students of Tulane, Dillard, Xavier and Loyola Universities. Admission to this week long event which includes a culminating concert on the first friday of classes, will be free to students of those Universities.
Red Cross & FEMA.
While I have nothing personal about these two organizations, I would recomend that donations be placed with other organizations. Many of those still located in the gulf coast region are extremely unhappy about the response of FEMA and the Red Cross, and are still struggling to get any money from either organization.
Others.
I realize this is no where near a complete list. These are simply the organizations that I am aware of and am confident in their skills to successfully aide those affected. I would have liked to list more holiday toy drives for the gulf coast children, but have come up short on time to search. If you know of one in the area, please let me know so that I may post it here.
Creation