Members of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association recently established fundraising efforts to help those in need after the devastating May 12 earthquake in China that has killed more than 60,000 people and injured hundreds of thousands more.
The UW Chinese organization raised approximately $2,700 in personal contributions for relief efforts, says Sara Axelson, UW vice president for student affairs.
All funds will go the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C. and will be forwarded to the China Red Cross, says Maria Almendares, spokesperson from the UW International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Persons wishing to donate can contact ISSO at (307) 766-5193 for more information.
This past school year, 95 Chinese students were enrolled at UW, along with numerous scholars, researchers and faculty members, Almendares says.
Multiple e-mails have been sent to current and prospective Chinese students and scholars offering them support and describing other UW support services that are available through the University Counseling Center and Dean of Students Office, Axelson says.
The ISSO has contacted new incoming Chinese students along with several UW students and faculty members who are currently in China. All who responded are safe.
President Tom Buchanan also sent a personal letter to China's ambassador to the United States, Zhou Wenzhong, who gave a presentation on the UW campus last August. In recognition of UW's dedication to expanding international collaborations, the ambassador established a scholarship to support study abroad opportunities for UW students.
