TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama recently received 100 pre-paid telephone cards for the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina from the Parents Association of Livingston College of Rutgers University in New Jersey.

“Please know that this area truly understands what it means to be the victim of a disaster for Rutgers University once fell in the shadow of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and individuals from across the nation reached out to us in our time of need.

“We could do no less when a natural disaster struck the Gulf Coast with such devastation and changed forever the lives of tens of thousands,” said Dr. George D. Jones, dean of students for Livingston College, Rutgers.

Jones has ties to UA – he received his doctoral degree from UA and is a former associate director of campus activities – and that is why those associated with the New Jersey school chose to adopt hurricane victims in this area.

Students and parents of Rutgers University generously contributed to the telephone cards for evacuees in the Tuscaloosa area. The college has also offered its support for the evacuees during the upcoming holiday months.