Editorial: Baruch’s Haiti Efforts Impressive

The Baruch community responded rapidly and impressively in the wake of Haiti's 7.0-scale earthquake, which devastated much of the country's resources and claimed millions of lives.

After the disaster, which took place during our winter break, Baruch student club members immediately came to school to plan the numerous events and fundraisers that would take place in what was dubbed "Haiti Relief Week."

Not only did the school show a great deal of compassion for the beleaguered nation, but they also demonstrated a unity not often found on commuter campuses, like Baruch, when they collaborated with the Undergraduate Student Government and the Office of Student Life to help the country get back on their feet. Everyone played their part in what was indeed a very worthy cause. The Student Life faculty spearheaded much of the relief efforts, putting on Baruch Unites, an event that featured Haitian speakers and a candlelight vigil, and the Wall of Hope, where donors can post messages to honor those in Haiti.

The administration — especially the Office of Student Affairs — lent their support to the students' activities. USG took on the role of organizer, uniting club efforts in order to ensure the effectiveness of the events.

But perhaps the most impressive effort came from the students themselves. Long before they were contacted by USG or Student Life, student clubs had already begun to plan for what they believed was a necessary cause. Zeta Phi Beta sent out an e-mail two days after the earthquake saying that funds raised at their NY Downstate Founders' Day event would go to Haiti. Before the week had ended CSA, SOCA and WICC had already begun to discuss possible responses. NABA, the Black Student Union and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship were also among the first responders.

Student Life raised approximately $1,200 from the Wall of Hope and other activities held during the last two weeks, according to office officials. In addition, USG raised $1,500 from both their concert tickets and the merchandise they sold there, according to USG president Tanvir Hossain.

The totals of the other clubs fundraising were not obtained at the time the editorial was written, but the combined efforts of Baruch students have undoubtedly made a difference to the victims in Haiti.

Though we often fail to exhibit general school spirit and come together, Baruch students should be congratulated for the extraordinary work they have done in the aftermath of the earthquake.