October 12, 2001

Students rally to support the victims of the attack

In just two days, students at Loyola raised nearly $10,000 to support the Red Cross's disaster relief efforts following the tragedy at the New York World Trade Center. Personal donations from many of the 5,789 students attending Loyola University made up most of the money raised, September 13 and 14.

In reaction to the tragedy, Loyola students experienced shock and deep emotions. Many felt compelled to help out. Out of this desire to help came what Student Government Association President Mary Flynn called, "The first fully student-driven activity at Loyola to be participated in by all students regardless of club membership or class standing."

Loyola student Nicole Lieberman was one of those students looking for a way to help. She went directly to the Red Cross where representatives told her they needed volunteers from 5 a.m. to noon on September 12. In one morning, Lieberman and other Red Cross volunteers raised $300,000. Back at school, she wanted to find a way for all Loyola students to help. After hearing a telethon on the radio, Lieberman decided to issue a challenge for every Loyola student to donate $1 to the Red Cross. She spoke with Flynn and Lauren Campisi, Student Government Association vice president, about her idea.

From that point on, the fund-raiser took on a life of its own. Lieberman said, "It wasn't one person who did it; in fact I feel like I did almost nothing. It was a human reaction to horrible tragedy. The entire project was about feeling what was in our hearts and acting on it."

Students came from all over Loyola's campus to help. Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity, BEGGARS fraternity, and other students volunteered their time at a table for donations. Other students carried boxes and envelopes to their classes and places of work to collect donations. At dinner time, the employees in the campus cafeteria helped by setting up a table with balloons and posters to continue urging students to contribute.

Flynn said, "This project has renewed my faith in Loyola. It was a great way for everyone to help and provided students with a positive way to deal with the tragedy." The original goal was $5,000, but Flynn says the total exceeds $9,000 and donations are still coming in.

Lisa Olson, Intern, Offices of Public Affairs and Publications