USU Clubs Unite to Aid in Japan Relief

Utah State University’s Japan Club and Associated Students of Utah State University are raising funds for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan with a goal to collect $15,000 by April 4.

“We wanted to do the same thing that was done for Haiti, so we kept the same monetary goal of $15,000,” said Keenan Nuehring, ASUSU’s administrative assistant.

Students hope to extend engagement beyond campus to meet the $15,000 goal. Placing collection jars in businesses across Cache Valley, organizers hope to get the community involved. A Logan campus-wide initiative has been established to also raise funds. Fundraising stations are at the information booth in the TSC and in the Merrill-Cazier Library foyer. Donors at these stations will receive hand-made paper cranes courtesy of the Japan Club. ASUSU is also making t-shirts to sell for relief funds.

“The natural disaster was actually crazy timing because the Japan Club just started,” said Brett Campbell, president of the USU Japan Club. “We developed our club constitution over spring break. Having a club opens doors to amazing opportunities to work together with other student clubs and actually make a difference in a big way.”

Student Erin Anthony plans to hold a carnival-type event the evening of April 2 at the Nelson Fieldhouse on the USU campus. While the event is still in the planning stages, various student clubs have been recruited to participate. All event proceeds will be donated to relief efforts.

“Fundraising is a small contribution that we can give to assist in this horrendous disaster,” Campbell said.

All funds raised will be given to the Japanese Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organizations involved in the relief effort.  Those wishing to contribute can also make checks payable to ASUSU/Japan Club USU which can be accepted in the Student Involvement office, TSC room 326, or mailed to:

ASUSU/Japan Club USU
0105 Old Main
Logan, UT 84322-0105

USU 2010 alumna Seiko Kanazawa is appreciative of the efforts USU students are making to help the victims in Japan.

“Even though it happened on the other side of the world, we can’t treat this as an out-of-sight, out-of-mind event,” said Kanazawa. “These are real people with families. And who knows when we will be affected and need to rely on the help of strangers?”

The Japan Club was officially established at Utah State University in March 2011. The club gives students an opportunity to learn more about Japan’s culture and to give service. Associated Students of Utah State University (ASUSU) is an organization for the entire student body acting as the liaison with University staff, faculty and administration.

See related announcement in Utah State Today.

USU students Braden Jensen (College of Agriculture) and Chris Jensen (wildlife science major, College of Natural Resources) are attending a conference in Tokyo. An e-mail message from Braden is posted on the College of Natural Resources' homepage, recapping recaps their experience in Japan.

Contact: Trent Hunsaker, Public Relations Specialist, trent.hunsaker@usu.edu