Eastern Student Jennifer Green Participates in Turkish-American Earthquake Relief Fundraiser

2011 Dec 29

Jennifer Green '14 of Bethany, CT, participated in the Turkish-American Earthquake Relief Fundraiser at Eastern Connecticut State University on Dec. 1. Green's major is Spanish.

In response to the tragic earthquake in Turkey on Oct. 23, Eastern Connecticut State University's Turkish American Student Association hosted a dinner to raise money for relief funds. More than 130 students, faculty and staff attended a fundraising dinner in the Betty R. Tipton Room on Dec. 1 that helped raise more than $2,700 for victims of the earthquake in Turkey on Oct. 23. The event was sponsored by the Turkish American Student Association (TASA). Eastern President Elsa Nunez presented a $1,000 check on behalf of Eastern. The earthquake struck eastern Turkey near the city of Van with a 7.2 magnitude, killing more than 600 people and leaving 60,000 people homeless. Proceeds will be donated through the Helping Hands Relief Foundation. TASA President Zuleyha Ozen said "the association truly appreciates the generous donations made by the Eastern community, and would like to thank you for reaching out to the people of Turkey in their time of need. Your gift will help those still suffering to recover and we thank you for your compassion."

The Turkish American Student Association is designed to promote better understanding and friendship among Turkish and American students, communities and organizations. The organization provides accurate information on Turkish history and culture. For more information on the fundraiser and donating towards the humanitarian effort, contact Zuleyha Ozen at (860) 995-3746.

More than 30 percent of the full-time students enrolled at Eastern now participate in at least one club/organization–an increase of almost 10 percent since fall 2007. Students who participate in clubs/organizations excel in the classroom and do better academically than students who do not participate. In spring 2011, almost 1,200 students participating in clubs had an average GPA of 3.10, much higher than the 2.87 average for those students not taking part in any of the nearly 70 clubs/organizations.

Clubs/organizations planned and implemented almost 600 events last academic year. These programs have a direct impact on the daily life of all students on Eastern's campus. The programs range from social to educational, physical to spiritual, and civic engagement programs that equally affect the community.

Eastern Connecticut State University is part of the Connecticut State University System(CSUS) and is the state's public liberal arts university. Eastern serves more than 5,500students each year on its Willimantic campus.