Kennesaw State launches fundraising drive for China earthquake victims

In response to the rising toll — more than 67‚000 dead‚ nearly 350‚000 injured and some 5 million homeless so far — resulting from the earthquake that struck China’s Sichuan Province May 12‚ Kennesaw State University will host a three−hour cultural and informational event on June 4 to kick off a community−wide China relief fundraising effort.(For the complete story‚ please click on the headline above.)

Georgia (May 28, 2008) — In response to the rising toll — more than 67‚000 dead‚ nearly 350‚000 injured and some 5 million homeless so far — resulting from the earthquake that struck China’s Sichuan Province May 12‚ Kennesaw State University will host a three−hour cultural and informational event on June 4 to kick off a community−wide China relief fundraising effort.

What:
The “China 5.12 Earthquake Condolence” fundraising kickoff will feature eyewitness accounts by a KSU professor returning from a conference near the earthquake’s epicenter and a student who just completed a work−study program in Beijing. KSU faculty‚ staff and students will play Chinese music and read poetry to honor earthquake victims.

Who:
Representatives of the affiliated organizations — KSU’s Institute for Global Initiatives and Asian Studies Program‚ and local affiliates of the National Association of Chinese Americans and the Association of Chinese Professionals — are hosting the event. They will be available to accept monetary contributions.

When:
Wednesday‚ June 4‚ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:
KSU Student Center‚ Rooms A−E.

Why:
The earthquake that struck southwest China on May 12 is the worst natural tragedy to afflict the country in decades. The death toll from the magnitude 7.9 earthquake — and aftershocks of up to 6.0 — is expected to rise as high as 80‚000. Some 15 million people‚ mostly in Sichuan province‚ need immediate assistance‚ and KSU wants to help.

Kennesaw State University has established and maintained formal relationships with China since 1989‚ primarily through faculty−student exchange‚ study abroad‚ professional training and development and language proficiency testing programs.

The university is home to 37 faculty members and 51 students of Chinese origin. Another 80 students are studying Chinese language at KSU. In the fall 2008‚ KSU will launch a Confucius Institute to promote Chinese language and culture.

For information on how to make tax−deductible contributions to support the China Red Cross Society’s relief efforts‚ contact KSU by calling 678−797−2569 or the National Association of Chinese Americans at 770−394−6542.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its approximately 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status, and one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.