Sandy's wake
UD's Theta Chi, students assist in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts
11:24 a.m., Nov. 16, 2012--A simple request for help resulted in a team of 18 University of Delaware fraternity men traveling to New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
The request, made by UD sophomore Tom Robertson, was sent shortly before midnight on Oct. 31. It alerted his brothers that his aunt’s home had been destroyed, that he would be driving up on Saturday to assist with the cleanup, and that he had a few extra seats in his car if anyone was free to help.
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By 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, a team of 18 Theta Chi brothers was assembled. The group spent the day assisting Manahawkin homeowners clear out their storm-ravaged houses. One grateful homeowner said the brothers accomplished five weeks worth of work in three hours.
At the end of the day, seven houses had been cleared of rotting sheetrock, insulation, carpet and other damaged items. Robertson’s video of the day includes messages to the university community from the homeowners, including Eileen Kelly and his aunt.
Kelly said, “Your team from University of Delaware all came in their own vehicles and did all this for us, and all this for our neighbors in six different houses. They emptied all the houses so we wouldn’t have mold, and helped us before the insurance could get in here and help us.”
Robertson’s aunt added, “It’s hard to describe the feelings and to know that we got all this done a lot quicker than we would have, it’s going to help the healing process a lot. So, with sincere thanks, love you guys. Go Blue Hens.”
Robertson says he has never been more proud to be a part of his fraternity and his family, and thanked the following men for volunteering their time: Alex Nepon, Sean Johannsen, Alex Fettner, Harry Mann, Kevin Beyer, Andy Yang, Dave Belson, Graham Foresman, Chris Holloway, Stephen Sanders, Taylor Denno, Brian Smocovich, Ben Marinelli, Brendan Sheskier, Dan DeNicuolo, John Harney and Alex McAuliffe.
International students lend hand
Two UD master of public administration (MPA) students from the School of Public Policy and Administration joined a group of international UD graduate students in order to provide help for local victims of Hurricane Sandy.
On Nov. 10, Rafig Gurbanzada, Redhi Setiadi and a group of graduate students from various countries traveled to Dover to assist a man with disabilities with his hurricane-battered house. The group of UD master and doctoral students spent two hours pumping water out of the basement.
This same group of students has also provided similar support to those affected in the Atlantic City area.
RSA Sandy Relief
UD’s Resident Student Association has distributed more than 2,000 paper bags to resident students as part of relief efforts, and they will continue to be distributed until the end of this week.
Students are asked to fill these bags with donations of money, cans, clothing, toiletries, etc., and they can return them in three ways, by taking them to:
- The RSA office in 304 Perkins Student Center;
- Their community complex councils; and
- Dining halls during dinner hours on Monday, Nov. 19. RSA will have tables set up at the dining halls to collect the items.
UDress hosts Sandy relief groups
Prior to the Fall Fashion Event on Saturday evening, Nov. 17, UDress and a variety of campus groups supporting Hurricane Sandy relief efforts will gather in the Trabant University Center Lounge. The groups will provide opportunities for people to donate and to support those in need.
Article by Casey Impagliazzo
Photo and video of Theta Chi courtesy of Tom Robertson