Anderson University, like most of the surrounding area, experienced Helene’s fury as it churned inland into the Carolinas on September 26. Though no longer the Category 4 Hurricane that had slammed into Florida’s Big Bend, Helene was still a powerful tropical storm packing high winds and torrential rainfall upon arrival in the South Carolina Upstate.
Many in the AU community were shaken by the experience. There were some close calls, but miraculously no injuries.
Damage to the Anderson campus consisted primarily of trees landing on structures and blocking roadways. There was minor structural damage, and the campus lost electricity, but the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center kept functioning under backup power. Power was restored to much of the campus by Tuesday following the storm. Along with facilities staff and Budd Group teams, several staff and faculty members volunteered to ensure that Anderson’s campus remained open, particularly in critical functions such as Residence Life, Campus Safety and Dining Services. According to Vice President for Christian Life and Senior Minister to the University Dr. Tracy Jessup, worship services took place in the Student Center auditorium the Sunday after the storm.
Anderson University canceled classes for the following week and postponed its Homecoming to November 9. Details are still being worked out.
As the storm abated, Anderson University students, faculty and staff started rising to the occasion in big ways.
Numerous groups of students cleared debris on campus and helped Anderson University’s neighbors, many who are elderly. According to Director of Women’s Ministry and Community Missions Maddie Woodford, many students rolled up their sleeves without hesitation and got to work.
Many more fanned out into other ravaged areas.
Assistant Vice President of Christian Life and Director of Campus Ministries James Hanson and a group of students spent three days aiding disaster relief efforts for the Saluda Baptist Association in Henderson County, North Carolina. Above, a group of students joined Samaritan’s Purse near Asheville to assist residents impacted by Helene.
Dr. Jessup (left) led a team of approximately 10 students on a disaster relief mission trip to Hendersonville, North Carolina over fall break, partnering with North Carolina Baptists on Mission. Also, Woodford put together a team of students, faculty and staff and, partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, helped with the cleanup of devastated neighborhoods in the Asheville area.
Various Anderson University faculty and staff members continue to engage, individually or in partnership with community organizations, in addressing the many diverse needs locally and regionally.