UC Davis last Friday hosted two gatherings to recognize those who have lost their lives or suffered from the deadly Hurricane Katrina, as the university continued a wide range of efforts to assist students and others displaced by the Gulf Coast devastation.

Both of Friday's events included brief remarks and a collective moment of silence. On a blustery day underneath the Memorial Union flagpole — with flags flying at half-staff — Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw addressed an audience of about 50, saying, "We're trying to hold in our hearts those who have lost their lives or whose lives have been forever changed because of Hurricane Katrina."

A similar observance was held earlier in the day in the courtyard of UC Davis Medical Center's Patient Support Services Building in Sacramento. Both events marked UC Davis' response to President Bush's declaration of Sept. 16 as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"The people who lost their lives feel like brothers and sisters to me," said Bob Kerr of University Outreach and International Programs, who attended the main campus remembrance. "I almost feel guilty," he added. "Here I am today with blue sky overhead and a slight breeze, and so many people are suffering just a few hundred miles away. How do I deserve this?"

A more formal interfaith gathering is planned for Sept. 30, shortly after the fall quarter begins and the campus community is present in greater numbers.

The campus has launched several relief efforts in response to the nation's deadliest natural disaster in almost a century. Library and research facilities are being made available to displaced researchers, the Undergraduate Admissions Office is welcoming freshman and transfer students from the Gulf Coast region, a blood drive is planned for the upcoming weeks and the university is promoting a community fundraiser on Oct. 2 in Central Park. Campus employees and students are also encouraged to donate to support relief efforts.

Katrina has affected several campus community members. Eight UC Davis students come from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, the three states hit hardest by the deadly storm.

Furthermore, 454 alumni were living in the region when the hurricane hit on August 29, including 63 in New Orleans and two in Gulfport, Miss. In total, Katrina has killed over 700 so far and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Meanwhile, the campus has plans to accommodate more than 20 students displaced by Katrina, including seven medical students, six undergraduates, three law students, three Graduate School of Management students and one other grad student.

Many UC Davis academic and staff employees have expressed interest in participating in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, locally and along the Gulf Coast.

Those who are members of UC-sponsored response teams, those who wish to volunteer service through official relief agencies such as the Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency, and those who were traveling in the area at the time of the disaster and became stranded may be granted paid administrative leave as described in the applicable personnel policy or union contract.

A helping hand

In Davis, service clubs are throwing a Southern-style party to raise money for hurricane relief efforts noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, in Central Park, Davis. The campus is invited to participate in the fundraiser.

For more information about the campus's Katrina efforts, visit www.news.ucdavis.edu/hurricane.