Alexis Anderson
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
Days after an F3 tornado ripped through the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Jackson State University is coming together to assist in recovery efforts.
Eltease Moore, community service coordinator with the Center for Service and Community Engaged Learning, is spearheading the collection of items to help students at USM.
“In response to those affected, the Center created an opportunity for our JSU faculty, staff and students to step in. The “Stand United” Toiletry & Cleaning Supply Drive is a first response initiative created for those who want to assist in recovery efforts, to do just that. The Hattiesburg and USM community will begin the rebuilding process, by giving essential items to assist students and families.”
The CSCEL is asking all faculty, staff, students and alumni to drop off toiletry or cleaning supply item to the New Student Center Booth, located on the 1st Floor, between 11 am-1 pm, daily, or any of the following drop-off locations around the campus by Tuesday, February 19th. Other campus drop off locations includes:
• CSCEL, 1st floor, Reddix Hall
• Administration Tower-Lobby
• Alexander Hall
• Campbell Hall
• Dixon Hall
• McAllister-Whiteside Hall
• Stewart Hall
• Transitional Hall
The powerful storm tore a path through three counties, injuring more than 80 people, but there were not any deaths. Hattiesburg officials said that certain measures were taken to ensure that no lives were lost in the storm. Sirens and tornado warnings gave people as much as 30 minutes to evaluate their homes. According to National Weather Service meteorologist Chad Entremont, the storm was an EF3 tornado with winds speeds reaching 145 mph in parts of Hattiesburg. About 570 homes were destroyed and mobile homes were destroyed or damaged, 100 apartments left uninhabitable. Several thousands of people were without any power; however most of the power has been restored according to Gov. Phil Bryant.
On USM campus, trees were snapped in half around the damaged Alumni House, where the roof was ripped away. Windows in nearby buildings were blown out, and equipment worked to clear streets in heavy rain after the worst of the storm had passed.
In all, six buildings need repair including the Music Building, the Historic Olgetree House and the home of the president.
William Parks, a junior meteorology major from Madison, Miss., said. “I have former classmates and my frats are at USM, so I have I have a connection with the students at USM. If that would have happen at JSU, I would be devastated because I have a lot family and friends here. I consider JSU my second home.”
USM student Latisha Hamilton shared her feeling about the aftermath of Sunday’s destruction.
A junior music education major with an emphasis in guitar from Raleigh, Miss., Hamilton said. “Being a student at the University of Southern Miss during these recent times of turmoil is devastating. To see our campus in such a state of emergency and uproar is sickening. Furthermore, being a music education major, times are even harder. The School of Music is recently without facilities. Many don’t understand, but the SOM was our home,”
She added: “The music students spent more time within those three buildings than anywhere else on campus. We are dependent upon our class meetings, lesson times, and practice areas. I’m sure I can speak for my peers, as well as, professors when I say that we have thoroughly missed one another and being in the comfort of our facilities these past few days learning and grasping as much knowledge as possible, but we understand the circumstances and are coping.”
She added: “We are grateful for no fatalities and that all are safe. As a school and community, we have drawn closer together and are working hard to beat the odds and rebuild and restore our campus. I personally believe that more good than bad will come out of this situation and Southern Miss will continue to be on top.”
USM’s campus officials reopened on Wednesday, Feb. 13 with classes scheduled to resume on Thursday, Feb 14.
After receiving several numeral inquiries about the ways to help, the USM Foundation has established an emergency relief fund for financial contributions, visit www.usmfoundations.com/releif.
For more information, contact Eltease Moore at (601) 979-1762
