In keeping with its mission of Ignatian spirituality and identity, Marquette University has opened its arms to students affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Ninety-five students from damaged Gulf Coast universities, including Loyola New Orleans, Xavier University and Tulane University have been admitted, but as of this week 69 are enrolled, according to Brigid O'Brien Miller, director of university communication. All three universities are private schools with tuition equal to or more than Marquette's tuition.
The speed with which Marquette reacted to this catastrophe is to be applauded. Various offices within the university, including Undergraduate Admissions, Information Technology Services, the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Residence Life, are working dilligently to process the students and ensure that they have as smooth of a transition as possible, given the circumstances.
Furthermore, University Ministry and the Counseling Center staff are offering support-group sessions for those beginning to cope with the catastrophe.
In addition to enrolling these students, University President the Rev. Robert Wild has established the Marquette University Hurricane Relief Fund. Money raised by this fund will be used to help the 69 students purchase books, clothing and other necessities. Furthermore, this fund will also assist the families of Marquette faculty and staff affected by Katrina. Donations for this fund will be accepted through Oct. 3.
While these contributions are greatly needed, Marquette students and faculty must make an even greater effort to embrace these new students on a personal level. Doing so is the best way to create a warm and welcoming environment so that these students may feel as at home as possible.
Marquette has made many of us proud these past few weeks. Its actions demonstrate real leadership in a time of tragedy. Thus, it only seems natural to urge the university to remain on this path. Marquette must continue to take a leading role in helping the entire nation recover from this disaster. It could do so by stressing the importance of social justice.
As the country begins to look at rebuilding New Orleans and the other affected areas, Marquette and other institutions of higher education must play an instrumental role in discussing the causes of poverty and how to best resolve them. By engaging in this crucial endeavor, we may be able to prevent the future loss of life.
This editorial was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 15, 2005.