Artwork is on sale in Atwood Memorial Center to raise funds for earthquake relief efforts in Nepal. Photo by Adam Hammer ’05
St. Cloud State students are responding to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake and strong aftershocks that are devastating villages in Nepal and its capital Kathmandu with a week of fundraising and awareness events.
Get involved
View a photo gallery of student events from throughout the week.
- Donations will be collected from 10- a.m.-3 p.m. April 27-May 1 in the Atwood Memorial Centerlounge.
- Students are creating sculptures and other artwork of Nepalese temples destroyed during the earthquake. They will sell the artwork from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 29 and 30 in the Atwood lounge.
- An open-mic concert from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 30 on the Atwood porch will further spread awareness of the earthquake and raise funds for those affected.
- A candlelight vigil takes place at 6 p.m. May 1 on the Atwood Mall. Members of the public are invited to join students in solidarity or prayer.
The university also is offering assistance to students through the Center for International Studies, Counseling Services and others.
The earthquake destroyed homes and centuries-old temples and triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest. Almost 4,000 people are known to have died as a result of the earthquake and more than 7,000 injured. The impacts of the earthquake reached into India, Tibet and Bangladesh.
St. Cloud State has 145 students from Nepal. It is one of the largest international student populations on campus.
Kamana Karki, president of the Helping Nepal International student organization, said that Nepalese St. Cloud State students have received good news from their immediate families who are safe, but the students want to help with recovery efforts in their country. Karki is graduating this semester with a bachelor’s degree in information systems.
“We have a lot of damage back home and being here and not being able to do anything is the worst thing anyone can imagine,” she said. “But we are trying our best to contribute in any way possible.”
The stress of finals week and graduation also is playing a factor for some, said Thy Yang, associate vice president for International Studies.
“Students have family that were planning to attend commencement from Nepal who may no longer be able to come and many have financial concerns,” she said. “The St. Cloud State campus community remains mindful and compassionate toward those who may be impacted at our university and abroad.”
Funds raised by the student groups are going to support efforts being conducted by the American Nepal Medical Foundation and the American Red Cross.
If you need assistance…
St. Cloud State offers counseling services to students impacted by the earthquake in Nepal.
- Center for International Studies
320-308-4287
- Counseling Services
320-308-3171
