Hurricane “IKE” Hits Shaw University

“IKE,” a category four hurricane, hit Shaw University the early part of September. Shaw, located in North Carolina was indirectly hit by this horrific storm. There are 64 students from Shaw that come from Louisiana, Texas and Florida, a few of the locations that were affected by the storm. “IKE,” was the ninth named storm and fifth hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season. Its 145 mph winds made it the most intense storm in the 8002 hurricane season.Trey Beckwith, senior at Shaw U, lived in Texas for more than seven years of his life, was concerned but not devastating about IKE. His family was among the many families that decided that they were not going to evacuate. “My brother is a former militant. I was concerned, you can say worried but I knew that they would be alright.” Trey kept close contact with his brother so the crisis did not take too much away from his academic studies. “Not only is this going to hurt Texas it’s going to hurt the U.S. all together” said Beckwith. Unlike Trey this crisis may have a traumatic or stressful change in one’s life. Counseling is offered for all who is dealing with this catastrophe. They can attain these services first, through their dorm advisors or director. Laura Aker, dorm director in the Newsome Residence Hall, doors are open to anyone and note that someone is always available for the students. She can be reached in her office during normal business hours but can be reached anytime by mobile phone. So far there has not been any counseling needed from Hurricane Ike. “All the ladies in Newsome Hall know who their dorm advisors are and how to contact them. We all have good contact numbers in case of any emergencies,” said Aker. If the situation is unable to be resolved through the residence hall, an official in the student center are also available to them. “Crisis management is available to talk about concerns and feelings about the storm. How it has affected school work. If the student is unable to reach their love ones and need assistance we do whatever we can to help. That includes, making phone calls, sending letters, whatever is going to help us get our students through this,” states Damen Cromwell, counselor. The counsel center also operates on normal business hours but is available pretty much anytime if needed as well. “Pay attention to information given out on the yard or anywhere on campus. We provide a lot and different variety of programs. They are more than welcomed to stop up here or even call to setup an appointment,” advise given by Cromwell. His office along with Mrs. Jerelene Carver, director of counseling, is located on the second floor in the student center. Students need to know that even though they are not there within the mist of IKE’s aftermath their university is there for them. Consider the university as being you’re away from home family and let them embrace you during your time of need.