Hurricane Katrina

The University accommodated 140 students — 109 in the College — who were displaced from their New Orleans-area institutions by Hurricane Katrina during the fall semester.

The students and some parents attended a special Sept. 4 orientation session. Outside the Newcomb Hall Ballroom, Jack Blackburn, dean of admission, handed out individual letters of acceptance.

Once inside the room, they were greeted by representatives of the University community — staff members from dining, housing, academic advising, the registrar’s office, student financial services, information technology and the dean of students office — who had come both to welcome and to offer guidance.

“All of you are facing a new semester unlike any that you expected or planned,” Shamim Sisson, senior associate dean of students, told them.

“We want you to be able to look back on this time and say that while many parts of your life and your plans were disrupted, your academic career was only minimally interrupted because you had a great semester at the University of Virginia,” she said. “In the midst of all this uncertainty, you are safe and you are here — for which we are very grateful.”

Later that day, Lawn residents entertained the students, plus administrators, orientation leaders and some 60 U.Va. students who are originally from New Orleans.

And as U.Va. was taking in students from the Gulf Coast, students were busy sending donations back to the storm-devastated area. An informal group, U.Va. Students K.A.R.E. (Katrina Aid and Relief Effort), solicited contributions at the first home football game, the Tom Deluca show and the U.Va. bookstore and cooperated with other student groups to raise money. Activities ranged from a bar Penny Wars” game between Old and New Dorms.

K.A.R.E. presented a check for $72,921.54 to the American Red Cross at the Duke football game on Sept. 24, but its fundraising continued through the fall. The Seven Society also revealed a check of $10,777.77 for the United Way to K.A.R.E. leaders on Sept. 26.