Dec. 29, 2004

Contact: Kevin Boatright, University Relations, (785) 864-7100.

KU offers assistance to international students affected by tsunami disaster

LAWRENCE -- University of Kansas Chancellor Robert Hemenway sent an e-mail message today to KU's 1,750 international students and scholars, including more than 300 who are from the Asian nations devastated by Sunday's tsunami, to offer assistance and seek information about anyone with a KU affiliation in the area.

The e-mail follows a message the university's Office of International Student and Scholar Services sent Monday to students from the affected regions. The office also contacted by phone the leaders of student groups to offer assistance.

Today's e-mail asks the students to respond and let the university know about their circumstances. The university encourages anyone who has knowledge about a person with KU ties who is currently in that region to do the same by e-mailing isss@ku.edu.

“ As an international community, the University of Kansas shares in the grief being experienced by students, alumni, faculty and staff affected in any way by this week's tsunami in the Indian Ocean,” said Hemenway. “Every KU family member from the many countries involved has our deepest sympathies in this time of mourning.”

Although some students' families have suffered loss of property or friends, the university is not aware of any member of the KU family who has been killed or injured as a result of the tsunami.

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will continue to work with students, faculty and staff affected by this tragedy to meet their individual needs, Hemenway said.