The Schenectady City Council and Mayor Brian Stratton passed a unanimous resolution on Jan. 23 recognizing the 29 Union College students and two staff members who took part in the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort in New Orleans as part of an alternative winter break.
“We really are very proud of you all and the positive face you put on Schenectady,” said Councilman Frank Maurizio.
On hand for the honor at city hall Monday evening were Todd Clark, director of residential life, and eight of the participating students.
The resolution states: WHEREAS, on December 6, 2005, 29 Union College students and two Union College staff members participated in the Hurricane Katrina Relief effort in New Orleans, Louisiana; and WHEREAS, the tasks they completed included the painting of school classrooms, cleaning desks and lockers, re-constructing and re-stocking a school library, and helping other area volunteers remove flood damaged materials; and WHEREAS, the altruistic efforts of these students to assist others in their time of need is a positive reflection upon Union College and the City of Schenectady deserving of recognition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT: RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Council does hereby honor and recognize the following individuals for their willingness to provide assistance and comfort to others and for the difference they made in the lives of those they aided in New Orleans.
Students attending the resolution ceremony were: Josh DeBartolo '08, Laura Eyman '08, Libby Johnson '08, Daniel Khasidy '06, Jake Lebowitz '08, Jen Libous '08, Jessie Loudar '07 and Jackie Siedlecki '07.
The council meeting honoring the Union group can be viewed on Schenectady's public access Channel 16, throughout the week.
The students and staff who traveled to New Orleans as part of the relief effort have received extensive local media coverage both during and after the trip, as well as recognition and accolades from various state politicians, including New York's Sen. Hillary Clinton.