SUNO students met with hospitality, concern

 
In the wake of Hurricane Isaac Southern University New Orleans students were forced to evacuate to the Southern University Baton Rouge campus Monday and are being housed by Residential Life in SUBR dormitories.
With Hurricane Isaac slowly making its way toward the gulf coast SUNO officials considered cancellation of classes and a mandatory evacuation of SUNO students, however there are some students who cannot evacuate on an instant notice.
Like Stephanie Buhl, a sophomore Biology and math major from Germany, over 5000 miles from home.
Buhl described her stay at SUBR during Isaac. “At first it wasn’t the great because the place where we were housed was very dirty and old. It was the White or Reed Hall dorms and was closed for three semesters. After a lot of fighting we were finally placed in Boley Hall which is way better,” said Buhl.
Some students were not prepared to spend more than 3-4 days here at SUBR and were anxious to get back to the familiar.
“I just want to be in my own place with my own stuff. I didn’t pack for a week or anything. I just really hope that everything looks normal when we get back.”
SUNO’s Student Government Association President Marc Guichard, a senior psychology major from New Orleans was just happy that everyone was able to get out of New Orleans safe and had nothing but gratitude toward SUBR and it’s hospitality.
“I’m glad we are all here.  SUBR has done it’s best to make sure we are comfortable. I would like to thank the whole family of the Southern System, especially Dr. Llorens  and his wife Glenda, SGA  president Willie McCorkle, and Chief Justice Simone Bray. These people were really there for us and welcomed us with open arms,” Guichard said.
After thanking those he considered instrumental Guichard continued, “The student leaders here are amazing individuals and are a credit to this University. They have definitely demonstrated leadership and you all should be very proud to have them.”
But it wasn’t all smiles and gratitude from SUNO students.
While enjoying their stay here at SUBR some students can’t help but worry about the current state of their home university.
SUNO student and SGA Chief of Staff Tiara Washington, a senior general studies major from New Orleans said, “I’ve been in contact with our chancellor and he says that as of now there are a lot of tree branches down and there is no power on campus.”
Washington expressed her hope and concern for the campus’ full recovery before she returns, “I hope it’s still pretty when we get back. When we left SUNO it looked like it was an ordinary day minus a lot of students and faculty. As though there weren’t a storm coming.”
Meanwhile students are awaiting the word from SUNO Chancellor Victor Ukpolo, of when campus will be reopened, classes resume and students will return.