Press Release:

Students, faculty and guests at a University of Bridgeport fundraiser contributed nearly $2,500 to aid victims of the earthquake that took a major toll along the India, Pakistan Kashmir border on Oct. 7. The event that was held on Oct. 21 at the John J. Cox Student Center was sponsored by The American Red Cross, Save the Children Foundation, University of Bridgeport (Student Programming and International Affairs -Division of Student Affairs, UBSGA, Black Student Alliance and Club India) and Vase Management LLC. The event began at 7:30 p.m. and was attended by university officials, faculty members and students alike. UB President Neil Albert Salonen, Dr. Joseph Oravecz (Dean of Students) and Edina Oestreicher (Director of Student Programming) were a few among the university officials who attended the fund-raising event.The event kicked off primarily with a recitation from the Holy Quran by UB student Mr. Anas Arif, conforming to traditional Islamic practices. University of Bridgeport student masters of ceremony: Samiur Rehman (Samy) and Ayesha Patel entertained the crowd. UB President Neil Albert Salonen also gave a brief speech emphasizing that humanitarian aid is a responsibility shared by all and that it transcends religion, race and geographic boundaries. President Salonen not only expressed his deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims of the earthquake, but also expressed his well wishes for the vibrant, South-East Asian community at the University of Bridgeport to remain united and continue growing and assisting those in need during times of need. Guests also had the opportunity to listen to the views of affected victims, as two such victims, took the stage, allowing the stage to serve as a platform for them to express their concerns of the already vanished parts of their motherland. As a sign of respect and appreciation, the guests had the opportunity of enjoying a rich, Indian cuisine – courtesy Noor Mahal Restaurant – accompanied by traditional, Indian music in the background with a powerpoint presentation showing the devastated regions in Pakistan and India and the nature of the destructions. Generous donations were also made by students and guests reaching close to $2,500. Students and others involved in the University of Bridgeport fund raiser for earthquake victims in India, Kashmir and Pakistan present some $2,500 in checks to relief organizations. From left to right, Fahim Farid, a graduate student from Pakistan; Pat Scharr, director of major gifts for the American Red Cross in Southern Connecticut; Shah Nagori, a graduate student from Pakistan; Samy Rehman, an undergraduate student of the School of Business; Peg Blackburn, director of planned giving for Save the Children; Nadia Babar, a financial analyst who is from Pakistan of Save the Children; Edina Oestreicher, UB’s Director of Student Programming and Community Services; Muhammed Balouch, a graduate student from Pakistan, and Ayesha Patel, a graduate student from Pakistan.