International Students/Scholars, Faculty, Staff, and Friends of Internationals at Rice

Many of you have been so kind to offer assistance for the many victims of the recent tragedy in the Gulf States. We admire your generous offers! At the OISS (Office of International Students & Scholars), we are conducting a fund-raiser in our office for the victims of Katrina. We hope to raise $10,000 tentatively by Thursday (9/8/05) and we strongly feel that, with your generous support, we'll be able reach this target. Here's how it works:

1) Write a check (preferred over cash) to the "American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund" for a minimum of $1 (and as high as you want to go!).

2) Bring it to the OISS as soon as possible or let us know (so that one of our volunteers can collect it from you), no later than next Thursday, September 8 at 2 pm

3) Sign your name and native country on a banner for the victims in the Astrodome that says, "Our thoughts and prayers are with you".

4) Two anonymous donors will give a $1 per person who donates-no matter the amount. We are currently seeking other donors.

Everyone is encouraged to participate, and you are included as an international donor if you are:

a) Students/scholars/faculty/staff with international afialiation,
b) Their spouses, children & other dependents*,
c) Rice community born abroad, or
d) Friend of internationals.
*Note: In order to increase participation, you can donate separate checks on behalf of your dependents.

We have a strong presence of internationals at Rice, so we are hoping to have high participation. Come as soon as possible, so that we can give updates as to the number of people participating, so as to encourage others.

Thank you,

Vinod Kumar, vk@rice.edu, x2408
PostDoc Research fellow, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy