Oct. 3, 2005

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has designated the month of October as NAIA Katrina Relief Month, an effort to raise funds to assist member schools affected by this mass tragedy. The association has requested NAIA colleges and universities from across the country to contribute donations or revenue from ticket sales generated from one athletic contest during the month of October.  

"This is a time when we, the NAIA, can reach out and help those member institutions in need," said NAIA President and CEO Steve Baker. "I hope each of our schools will join us in this effort to help."   

Nine NAIA member institutions in the Gulf Coast region suffered extensive damage to their campuses. The NAIA does not want to minimize the challenges faced by all affected schools, however, there is a strong need to offer special assistance to the schools unsure as to when their campuses will re-open or when their athletic teams will resume competition. Five NAIA institutions, Dillard University, Loyola University, Southern University-New Orleans, Xavier University and campuses of William Carey in New Orleans and Gulfport, have cancelled fall classes and are facing extremely difficult rebuilding processes. 

In addition to NAIA Katrina Relief Month the NAIA Administrative Committee of the Council of Presidents approved four special provisions designed to accommodate and support NAIA members and student-athletes and assist them with conducting athletic programs on the affected campuses. The NAIA is committed to all campuses facing tremendous challenges and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and will continue to assist through the phases of repair, recovery and redevelopment. 

All proceeds generated from NAIA Katrina Relief Month will be distributed to the following schools: Dillard University, Loyola University, Southern University-New Orleans, Xavier University and campuses of William Carey in New Orleans and Gulfport. Donations should be sent directly to the NAIA national office, attention NAIA Katrina Relief Fund, 23500 W. 105th Street, Olathe, Kansas 66051-1325.

For additional information please contact Lori Thomas in the NAIA Human Resources Department at 913-791-0044 ext. 115 or lthomas@naia.org.