Scripps College Departments of Music and Dance presented a benefit performance on Sunday, September 25, at 3 p.m., in Garrison Theater. The performance, featuring students, faculty, emeriti faculty, and alumnae organized the event to benefit the Dillard University Hurricane Relief Fund. Although the performance is over, the College is continuing to accept contributions for the relief fund. For more information, please contact the Scripps College Music Department at (909) 621-8280.
With more than 300 people in attendance, the event raised over $4,000. The College received several messages of congratulations and gratitude from the community, including a personal letter from United States Senator Barbara Boxer.
Dillard University, located in downtown New Orleans, was heavily damaged and closed following Hurricane Katrina. Dillard is a four-year, private, liberal arts, coeducational school created in 1930 by the merging of its two parent institutions, Straight University and Union Normal School. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ, Dillard has as its mission “to carry forth the struggle to overcome poverty and injustice that has historically marked the black experience in the South.” Education at Dillard is grounded in the values of the liberal arts tradition and the requirements of three professions: teacher education, nursing, and business-to which the University has had a historic commitment.
The university’s approximately 2,000 students were all evacuated from campus as of August 27 to Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana; now, all have been safely returned to their parents and guardians, according to the university.
The president of Dillard, Dr. Marveline Hughes, authorized Scripps’ undertaking of the concert for the benefit of her school. Those wishing to contribute directly to the Dillard relief fund may send donations to: Dillard University Hurricane Relief Fund, Account No. 021000021, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, 400 Murray Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.
The concert was sponsored and made possible by the Office of the President, the Dean of Students Office, the faculties, and staff members of the Departments of Music and Dance, and student volunteers.