 Ambassador Denis Antoine visits AU. |
Student Organization
AU Students, University Chaplain Assist Hurricane Victims in Grenada
Parts of the Southren United States and the Caribbean suffered terribly during the 2004 hurricane season, which was one of the worst in recent memory. When Hurricane Ivan wrecked havoc on Grenada on September 7, much of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed and thousands were left homeless.
Initiated by the university’s chaplain, Dr. Joseph Eldridge, the Grenada Working Group was formed to help victims in Ivan’s aftermath. With the assistance of an existing AU student organization, the Caribbean Circle, efforts to collect clothing and hold a live auction fundraiser yielded generous donations that went to Grenada. “I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest among students, faculty, and staff in responding to the hurricane devastation in Grenada,” said Eldridge. “It demonstrates again the ethic of compassion that characterizes this community.”
In November, Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States, Denis Antoine, visited AU’s campus to give an update about rebuilding progress. He expressed how grateful his country was for the temporary relief provided by organizations like AU. “Your show of love has inspired our resolve to come back stronger than ever,” said Antoine.
AU’s ties with this tiny Caribbean nation are strong. The Prime Minister, Keith Mitchell, earned his PhD from AU’s College of Arts and Sciences in 1980. Members of the Grenada Working Group hope to arrange a visit with Mitchell during his next trip to Washington. Additionally, Grenada’s honorary consul in the U.S., Alvin Schonfeld, has two sons at AU, Josh (Kogod, ’05) and Ryan (SPA, ’08), who are helping Dr. Eldridge spearhead the Group’s endeavors.