Students Step Up to Support Students
Note: The Division of Student Affairs went above and beyond to support students during the recent winter storm and the university’s multi-day closure. It would take a novel to share all of the heroic and selfless stories of our dedicated staff, friends and supporters. This story is just one that illustrates their endurance and devotion.
College students are among the millions of Texans recovering from historic winter storms, and now they are stepping up support each other. UT Austin’s and Texas A&M University’s student government presidents teamed up for the fundraising campaign benefiting both schools’ student emergency funds. Donations will help students recover from the disaster as they navigate home repairs and replace damaged food and personal items, while still paying their normal bills.
Student leaders Anagha Kikkeri (UT Austin) and Eric Mendoza (Texas A&M University)
“This has probably been the most uniquely challenging year students have faced in a long time. We had so much unrest, so much hurt in the country — it just permeates throughout our lives. The winter storm was another thing added into the mix, and we see a great need for students right now,” said Student Government President Anagha Kikkeri, a senior government and Plan I Honors major from Dallas, Texas.
The fundraising campaign was born out of discussions between Kikkeri and her Texas A&M counterpart, Student Body President Eric Mendoza, who said that Longhorns and Aggies alike were greatly affected by the freeze that swept the region. First came the power outages, which left many without electricity and heat as temperatures plummeted. Then came the widespread water issues – many either had no water or had burst pipes and leaks and, for those who did have water, the City of Austin issued a boil water notice. Hazardous roadways made traveling to power, heat and water difficult.
“I was deeply heartened and inspired when the student government presidents announced a joint crowdfunding campaign to help their fellow students. It’s a campaign initiated by students, for students who suffered losses resulting from the winter storms,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly.
Taco delivery at the Texas Union
Students aren’t the only ones who jumped in to offer aid and support. In addition to thousands of staff providing essential services, Alumna Kendra Scott’s team rallied to deliver tacos and pizzas to nearly 300 students in the Texas Union’s warming center. Longhorn Mom Susie Busch-Transouand realized the disaster’s impact on students’ mental health and decided to double her recent contribution to the Counseling and Mental Health Center after donating January sale proceeds of a candle in her local boutique. Many other students, faculty, alumni and local businesses offered free meals and water to students in need.
This effort is still ongoing, as many students continue to seek aid in the storms’ aftermath. Help us support our students by making your gift by March 10. In the spirit of friendly competition, the school that raises the most money will be announced at the March 30 baseball game between Longhorns and Aggies.
Check out these additional heartwarming stories related to the historic winter storms: find out how the Division quickly initiated on-campus warming centers and bottled water distribution sites; provided round-the-clock service to on-campus residents; awarded thousands of dollars in emergency support to students in need; and pivoted operations for services, including Proactive Community Testing and COVID-19 vaccine operations.
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