[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 MARSHALL UNIVERSITY'S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS FOR HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NICK J. RAHALL, II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2005

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, the overwhelming 
generosity of West Virginians, in the wake of the devastation caused by 
Hurricane Katrina continued on the campus of Marshall University in 
Huntington, West Virginia. As part of a fundraising effort spearheaded 
by various campus organizations and coordinated with the American Red 
Cross, fans attending the Marshall-Kansas State football game were 
asked to ``Bring a Buck'', just one dollar, to aid the victims of 
Hurricane Katrina.
  From the crowd of nearly 37,000 fans, a volunteer army of students, 
faculty and staff were able to raise more then $520,000 in just a 
matter of hours. This volunteer force of over 150 individuals, 
including Marshall President Stephen J. Kopp, spread out around the 
stadium with members of the local Red Cross chapter to accept donations 
as fans arrived at the game.
  Thanks must be given to the many student organizations who 
volunteered their time and efforts to make this happen. Groups 
participating in the ``Bring a Buck'' event were: Student Government 
Association; Biology Club, Delta Sigma Theta, Student Ambassadors; Pre-
AMSA (American Medical Student Association); Honors 101; Circle K; 
Campus Crusade for Christ; Phi Mu; Gamma Beta Phi; Alpha Tau Omega; 
Athletics, Staff and Recreational Sports.
  The hard work and determination of these students to help out their 
neighbors in the Gulf region inspired Marshall Alumni, members of the 
Marshall University Foundation, Inc., the Board of Directors and others 
to rise to the challenge of ``Bringing a Buck'' and more. In one case, 
an anonymous donation of $250,000 was made, inspiring other donors to 
give as much as $25,000 each.
  I applaud Student Body President Michael Misiti's challenge to other 
higher education institutions in the country to match Marshall's 
fundraising total. This sentiment was echoed by Governor Joe Manchin, 
who was at the game and issued his own challenge to the other 49 
governors to work with their universities and colleges to sponsor a 
``Bring a Buck'' event during upcoming football games.
  This generous outpouring of support for the victims of Hurricane 
Katrina from West Virginians is not surprising. In fact, this is just 
the latest response by Marshall University as part of Thunder Relief 
2005, a joint effort by students, faculty and staff in response to the 
devastation from the disaster in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and 
Florida.
  From waiving all application and late fees for displaced students, to 
offering free online courses, to coordinating through the Marshall 
medical school with medical personnel in hurricane-stricken areas who 
need assistance, Marshall University has not hesitated in doing their 
part to help out their fellow Americans.
  We in the Mountain State have had our share of devastating floods and 
are familiar with the needs of those most affected by this tragic 
disaster. I am proud of the generous spirit of humanity being shown by 
my fellow West Virginians and I am proud to call the Mountain State my 
home.

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