FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (9/3/05)
Contact: Lynn Stewart, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120

The following news release is being posted and distributed by Centenary College of Louisiana (Shreveport) on behalf of Dillard University (New Orleans).

After Hurricane Katrina, Dillard University Issues News Release About Its Status

For Immediate Release, September 3, 2005
Contact: Marvalene Hughes, Ph.D.
205-372-3832

DILLARD UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. MARVALENE HUGHES
ESTABLISHES RECOVERY PLAN

Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President of Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, today announced that administrators of the liberal arts institution are working diligently to decide when and how Dillard will reopen. She said in an interview today that administrators expect to return to campus as soon as possible to assess the restoration needs of buildings.

Hurricane Katrina damaged several buildings on campus and many trees are down. Due to the breech in the 17th Street Canal levee the campus was severely damaged when devastating floodwaters resulted in five to eight feet of water.

Dr. Hughes said, “We face tremendous challenges; however, I want to personally reassure the Dillard community and the public that we will continue to offer education for our students. Our spirits are strong and our will unbroken. Dillard will be back and better than ever.”

The following action plan is being executed immediately:
· As of September 3, 2005, the students who evacuated to Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, have been safely returned to their parents or guardians.
· We have committed to all registered students that they will not lose academic credit for this academic year. The Provost is currently developing a plan to provide the required weeks of instruction. Once developed, the plan will be available on the web site www.salliemae.com/katrina/.
· Instruction will resume as quickly as possible following clearance to return to New Orleans. We are currently exploring options for alternative classroom space, sites, and teaching and learning modalities.
· A locator registry will be established on www.dillard.edu to allow faculty, staff, alumni and friends to identify their locations.
· We will need significant support from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations and government agencies to rebuild Dillard’s physical infrastructure.

As part of our plan, Dillard needs significant cash investments from alumni, government, foundations, corporations, and friends to restore the physical infrastructure, equipment and academic instructional materials.

More than 68 prominent universities around the nation are offering their campuses and their services to aid Dillard students during the fall semester. Many are generous enough to offer a free education to students, including room, board and tuition. We are grateful and reassured by our generous colleagues and by offers from numerous community agencies, leading national organizations and affiliate churches.

We recommit to our students and the entire Dillard community that we will leave no stone unturned to preserve Dillard’s legacy and ideals.

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