2008 Woodie Awards
WSG votes against providing funds for India water wells
Amy Eschenbach
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: News
In response to the recent boiler explosion, Whitewater Student Government University Services Director Allison Rygh began fundraising for wells for India.
"It's something people should be aware of need to be aware of because we are so lucky here," Rygh said. "We are getting an education people in third world countries can't image."
WSG Senator Paul Sanchez made the motion for WSG to donate money to the project but the motion was not passed. There was money in the reserve budget.
"It appears that people's personal opinions are more important than giving fresh water to people that don't have it," WSG President Nick Santilli said.
UW-Whitewater was without hot water for seven days, but the students here have clean water, which is a luxury in India.
A group of faculty and student leaders on campus have realized that although the campus suffered, India has a greater need.
The goal of the committee is to raise $3,000, which is enough for 10 wells. If every student in the residence halls donates $1, the committee will be able to reach its goal.
The committee made T-shirts to recognize the explosion. The T-shirts are free and available at the front desk of each residence hall, and at the Career and Leadership Development front desk for off-campus students, staff and faculty.
"I feel the group's efforts are very beneficial, and I hope this is a learning experience for members of the campus community," said Mike Baumhardt, a committee member. "Although we were without hot water for a few days, there are many people in the world that are without fresh water, much less hot water."
The committee is working with the Rotary of Whitewater and Delavan/Darien to collect funds for one million people in 650 villages in Rajasthan, India. It takes about $300 to build a well in India. The committee is asking for a voluntary donation of $1 towards the effort.
Children in India have to walk miles to get water, and it isn't always clean water.
"Care and concern should reach past borders, one well can improve the life in India ten fold," Rygh said.
On April 19, Rygh joined the committee with Mike Baumhardt, SEAL; Barb Jones; Greg Ogreenc, RHA President; Chris Paul, SEAL; Terry Tumberello, and Collin Wallace, ARA president.
More information about the International Campaign for Wells for India can be found at www.wellsforindia.org.
"It's something people should be aware of need to be aware of because we are so lucky here," Rygh said. "We are getting an education people in third world countries can't image."
WSG Senator Paul Sanchez made the motion for WSG to donate money to the project but the motion was not passed. There was money in the reserve budget.
"It appears that people's personal opinions are more important than giving fresh water to people that don't have it," WSG President Nick Santilli said.
UW-Whitewater was without hot water for seven days, but the students here have clean water, which is a luxury in India.
A group of faculty and student leaders on campus have realized that although the campus suffered, India has a greater need.
The goal of the committee is to raise $3,000, which is enough for 10 wells. If every student in the residence halls donates $1, the committee will be able to reach its goal.
The committee made T-shirts to recognize the explosion. The T-shirts are free and available at the front desk of each residence hall, and at the Career and Leadership Development front desk for off-campus students, staff and faculty.
"I feel the group's efforts are very beneficial, and I hope this is a learning experience for members of the campus community," said Mike Baumhardt, a committee member. "Although we were without hot water for a few days, there are many people in the world that are without fresh water, much less hot water."
The committee is working with the Rotary of Whitewater and Delavan/Darien to collect funds for one million people in 650 villages in Rajasthan, India. It takes about $300 to build a well in India. The committee is asking for a voluntary donation of $1 towards the effort.
Children in India have to walk miles to get water, and it isn't always clean water.
"Care and concern should reach past borders, one well can improve the life in India ten fold," Rygh said.
On April 19, Rygh joined the committee with Mike Baumhardt, SEAL; Barb Jones; Greg Ogreenc, RHA President; Chris Paul, SEAL; Terry Tumberello, and Collin Wallace, ARA president.
More information about the International Campaign for Wells for India can be found at www.wellsforindia.org.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Justin O'Rourke
posted 5/07/08 @ 11:23 AM CST
Whitewater Student Government chose not to use reserve funds which were generated from student dollars. Instead of giving the money to the India project, the Senate decided that the purpose of the reserve fund was to go directly back to students. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 5/07/08 @ 12:04 PM CST
Thank you to the WSG. Although this is a worthy cost it is the WSG's job to do what is in the best interest for students and keep expenditures to a minimum. (Continued…)
Aubrey Ann
posted 5/07/08 @ 3:50 PM CST
It is unfortunate that even after a year of being WSG president, Nick Santilli STILL does not have a connection to the students or their needs.
I try to pay attention to the organizations on campus, especially the ones that involve OUR money. (Continued…)
Aubrey Ann
Aubrey Ann
posted 5/07/08 @ 3:59 PM CST
It is unfortunate that even after a year of being WSG president, Nick Santilli STILL does not have a connection to the students or their needs.
I try to pay attention to the organizations on campus, especially the ones that involve OUR money. (Continued…)
Ninja
posted 5/08/08 @ 4:17 AM CST
"Miss" Ann,
It appears that you are slightly offbase in your rhetoric. I agree whole heartidly with the premise of your opinion: That the money needs to stay with the students. (Continued…)
Anonymous
posted 5/08/08 @ 11:50 PM CST
Good for you Aubrey. Well said.
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