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Campus Community Reaches Out to Sandy Victims

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the William Paterson University community was quick to provide support for those who were impacted by the storm.

Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends have given generously to the William Paterson University Emergency Student Relief Fund. The fund was established to assist students who have suffered severe hardship due to Hurricane Sandy, such as major physical damage to their primary residence or vehicle, major damage to school-related supplies such as computer or textbooks, or lost wages. To date, $9,000 has been dispersed to fifteen students who applied for relief, and funds will continue to be distributed throughout the spring.

“Some of our students suffered great losses due to the storm,” says Pamela Ferguson, vice president for institutional advancement, whose office is coordinating the fund-raising effort. “We are so thankful to the members of our community who have generously donated to the fund in support of our students.”

The recipients are indeed grateful for the support. “When we were finally able to return to our house, we found that it had taken on nearly four feet of water,” says Jaclyn Antonacci, a communication major from Ship Bottom. “We are incredibly thankful for the support we have been shown during these grueling times. I will count this among the many reasons I am grateful to be part of the William Paterson community.”

Megan O’Neill, a master’s degree candidate in education from Moonachie, echoes that sentiment. “It is heartwarming to know that others are so kind and thoughtful to think of students in need during this disastrous event,” she says. “It makes me proud to be a student at William Paterson University.”

University students and staff also reached out to assist those beyond the campus. Numerous student clubs and organizations on campus worked to collect relief funds and needed supplies to support those affected by the storm. “William Paterson students are by nature very generous and caring people, particularly in an emergency situation,” says John Martone, vice president for student development. “We are incredibly proud that they immediately thought of how they could serve those in need.”

Donations are still being accepted to the Emergency Student Relief Fund. To donate to the
fund, log on to www.wpunj.edu/giving, or call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 973.720.3201.