Student Affairs offering assistance to fire victims

COLUMBUS – Ohio State University officials are coordinating assistance for the families of the victims and the students displaced in Sunday morning’s fire, while plans for a memorial service for the students who died are under way.
The investiture of Karen A. Holbrook as the university’s 13th president, originally scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed.

Alan Schlessman, 21, a sophomore business major from Sandusky, and Kyle Raulin, 20, a pre-business sophomore from West Chester, Ohio, died in the fire along with three Ohio University students whose names have not been released by the Franklin County coroner’s office.

Bill Hall, vice president for student affairs, said representatives of the university’s Student Advocacy Center are working with the victims’ families to coordinate their needs regarding travel, accommodations and other arrangements relating to their children’s enrollment at the university.

In addition, the university is planning a memorial service for the students. Louise Douce, director of counseling and consultation services, and Eric Busch, assistant vice president for student affairs, are coordinating those efforts along with the University Interfaith Association.
The service likely will be held some time next week, Hall said.

In all, nearly 35 students lost their homes and their possessions as a result of the fire, which affected three buildings on 17th Avenue. The university, the Red Cross and Undergraduate Student Government have stepped in with shelter, food, clothing, toiletries and bedding to meet the immediate needs of the displaced students. Hall said help also is being provided in finding alternative housing, making academic arrangements, replacing textbooks, counseling and meeting other needs.

Hall said several of the students spent Sunday night at the Blackwell Inn, while others went to the residence halls and others stayed with friends. He said he is working to find more permanent housing for those who will remain at the university this quarter. The students also have been given BuckID cards for food and laundry services.

In response to inquiries from members of the university community and others who wish to contribute to helping these students, the Fire Victims Assistance Fund has been established at Fifth Third Bank. Donations may be made at any Fifth Third Bank. The account number is 31373723. Persons with other items to contribute are asked to contact the Student Advocacy Center at 292-1111.