UWG News Item
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Two UWG employees honored for Katrina relief efforts
November 17, 2005
CARROLLTON, GA - When the University of West Georgia became home for 200 evacuees of Hurricane Katrina, two UWG employees played an instrumental role in coordinating the campus’s relief efforts. Now they are being honored for their dedication and service.
Chief
Tom Mackel, director of public safety, and Dr. Melanie McClellan, vice
president for student services, received the prestigious Outstanding Service
Award from the University System of Georgia (USG) Facilities Officers
Conference.
The university reopened Roberts Hall, a residence hall scheduled
for demolition, on Labor Day weekend to house Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
The hall was nicknamed Hotel Katrina and stayed open for more than a month.
McClellan said the unity of purpose in the university and in the community
made it possible.
“I was honored to accept the award for the University of West Georgia, and on behalf of our entire community,” said McClellan. “What stands out most for me was the amazing outpouring of generosity of the people in our community. They gave their time, talents, and material possessions unselfishly and with no expectation of reward. No matter how tired the people working on this were, they remained calm and patient and committed to working together to help those less fortunate.”
McClellan and Mackel directed operations at Roberts Hall, which included 24-hour security for the evacuees and university students, community and university volunteer efforts and donations, counseling, medical and employment help, relocation and public school registration.
“It is a real honor,” said Mackel. “As much as we appreciate it, it wouldn’t have happened without the support of the university and the community.”
Many of the evacuees found jobs and settled in Carrollton citing the hospitality of Carrollton, Carroll County and the university as a reason to stay.
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