FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (9/04)
Contact: Lynn Stewart, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120

Photos by Peggy Cooper, Centenary News Service

Snapshots of Dillard Students on Campus While Waiting Out Hurricane Ivan

	Dillard students say thank you to Centenary before departing campus.

SHREVEPORT, LA — As Hurricane Ivan approached the Gulf Coast, some 35 students, faculty and staff members from Dillard University in New Orleans took shelter Sept. 15 and 16 in the Haynes Gymnasium of the Centenary College Fitness Center.

When the Dillard group arrived at 5 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 -- after a 16-hour bus ride -- they found a gym prepared for them the evening before with carpeting from the Gold Dome, loaned mattresses from Haverty's Furniture and air beds, air mattresses, cots and sleeping bags, all loaned by Centenary students, faculty, staff and trustees — and even several couches from Centenary fraternity houses. See http://www.centenary.edu/news/2004/September/0004.html . In addition, there were signs from Centenary students welcoming the students from their sister institution, as well as refreshments and televisions available for watching the storm coverage.

By the time they departed on Thursday afternoon, Hurricane Ivan had spared New Orleans and their campus. The Dillard group expressed appreciation and compliments for Centenary's hospitality. They also left a thank-you note on a Fitness Center bulletin board.

Below are snapshots of some of the Dillard group as they prepared to depart.

Dillard students pack up after spending a day and a half based in the Haynes Gym at Centenary College because of the threat of Hurricane Ivan.

Some of the student evacuees pose with Zeke Aull, Centenary's director of public safety; Mike Thomas, manager of the Centenary Fitness Center; Dr. Sylvia R. Carey, dean of Dillard's Honors Program and assistant professor of education; and Dr. Danielle K. Taylor, dean of Dillard's Division of Humanities.

Couches loaned by Centenary fraternities were especially popular.

Dillard student takes a final break before departing.

Dr. Sylvia R. Carey discusses departure arrangements.

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