Raising funds, opening shelters: How Kentucky universities are helping after deadly storms.
READ MORE
Kentucky tornadoes: Victims, searches, response
Expand All
In the aftermath of storms that ravaged parts of Kentucky this weekend, universities across the state have offered support to their students and employees who may have been impacted.
Storms, including tornadoes and strong winds, hit late Friday night and early Saturday morning, leaving dozens dead and thousands injured and displaced. At least four tornadoes affected the state, with 18 counties suffering from damage, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. Western Kentucky sustained the worst of the damage, and as of Monday, there are 64 confirmed deaths across the state.
Here’s how universities across the state were affected, and what resources they have available for students and employees.
University of Kentucky reaches out to 3,000 students
While Lexington had little damage from the storms, the University of Kentucky has made resources available to its students and employees from communities that were impacted.
“The images will long remain in my mind’s eye, reminding us all again of how precious and fragile live is and how the only thing we can control is what we do, together, to help each other whenever and wherever there is need,” President Eli Capilouto said in a statement.
UK students and employees who come from across the state have been impacted by the damage from the tornadoes, Capilouto said. UK has reached out to around 3,000 students from the counties impacted by the storms and offered resources, including counseling, housing and basic needs, he said.
“We talk often on our campus about what Kentucky can do. Kentucky can meet this moment because Kentucky cares,” Capilouto said. “As long as we care, we can do anything.”
UK offers counseling and basic needs support through the UK Center for Support and Intervention. The center can be reached at 859-257-3755. More general questions can be directed to UK Health Corps at 859-218-7233.
UK has funds to assist students and employees in times of need. Those who are in need can fill out a referral form and indicate if they need financial assistance.
Students from the UK College of Medicine also set up a fundraiser that will help “local organizations that are providing aid to those displaced and in need of supplies.” Since Saturday, nearly $74,000 has been donated.
“We offered support to our sister institutions at Western Kentucky University and Murray State University, and we reached out to the state as well,” he said.
Officials from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, as well as UK extension agents volunteered in affected communities this weekend, Capilouto said. Students at UK medical campuses organized a donation drive, while student atheletes and coached also offered assistance to affected areas, Capilouto said.
WKU: Not ‘business as usual’ amid tornadoes
In the hours after a tornado hit Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University began assessing the damage in the area. While the university did not have significant property damage, the surrounding city did. On Saturday, Beshear estimated that at least 500 homes and 100 businesses in Bowling Green had been damaged, some completely destroyed.
“As the sun rises on our hill this morning, tremendous loss in our surrounding area is apparent,” President Timothy Caboni said in a statement.
In the aftermath of the storms, WKU lost power and canceled commencement ceremonies that were originally scheduled for Saturday. Throughout the day, power was restored to much of campus and backup generators were used. Residence halls were scheduled to close on Saturday, but remained open for students who could not safely leave campus, according to the university.
No injuries or fatalities were reported among WKU students, faculty or staff, Caboni said. Originally, WKU released a statement saying a student had died in an off-campus residence, but later learned the the student had not died.
However, “we will not be conducting business as usual,” Caboni said in a statement on Sunday. WKU’s campus will be open but supervisors have been asked to “provide maximum flexibility for those dealing with these challenges.”
“Staffing and campus operations will be fluid for the next two days, but our primary focus will be to take care of each other, our students and our community,” he said.
On Monday, WKU opened the computer lab in Jody Richards Hall to the public to use if they need internet access. The lab will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day through Friday, Dec. 17.
Members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams were serving in Bowling Green this weekend.
Caboni encouraged those wanting to help or donate to connect with local organizations, or donate to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund that was established this weekend.
Murray State opens warming center, shelter
Like WKU, Murray State also canceled graduation ceremonies that were scheduled for Saturday. There were no reported injuries on campus, but Murray State lost power on Saturday, according to a tweet from the university. Murray State is about a half hour southeast of Mayfield, which had significant damage in the storms.
Murray State opened the its basketball arena, the CFSB Center, as a warming center and shelter.
“We continue to absorb the gravity of the recent storms that have devastated west Kentucky,” the university said in a statement. “Please continue to keep those deeply affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
Campus operations at Murray State were scheduled to return to normal on Monday, but the university is experiencing technology issues related to the storm and power outages, so some services have been impacted. The Wellness Center is also being used by the National Guard, the Kentucky State Emergency Management Staff and other healthcare officials, and is closed to the public until further notice.
This story was originally published December 13, 2021 at 12:09 PM.
