Centenary College preps for New Orleans sister school's possible evacuation
By: Morgan Thomas
Updated: August 27, 2012
Tropical storm Isaac is bearing down on the Louisiana coast causing a massive evacuation. Centenary College in Shreveport is preparing to house students, faculty and staff from their New Orleans sister institution, Dillard University, if they're required to leave town.
Getting ready for houseguests usually means cleaning top to bottom, putting out clean sheets and towels, and planning for more at meals. However, getting ready for around 200 out-of-towners -- for an unknown amount of time -- can be logistically overwhelming.
"Because of those Methodist ties we're sister institutions and we have an agreement if a hurricane hits New Orleans or an evacuation is given - Centenary College becomes new home for Dillard University," said Matt Bailey, Centenary College External Relations.
Centenary College officials met first thing Monday morning so they would be ready once Dillard University pulled the trigger on a campus-wide evacuation from New Orleans to Shreveport.
"Different departments from across the campus so we all get together, pitch in, and get this done," said Eddie Walker, Centenary College Public Safety.
Centenary's plan is to roll out the welcome mat. They'll be covering their entire hardwood gym with blue carpeting, and that's where they'll put up to 200 cots for Dillard students, faculty and staff.
"A lot more mouths to feed, a lot more people on campus," said Walker.
Staff also had to make sure everything in storage was clean and ready for guests.
"Checking our storage we have cots, water, linens stored - we just have to go to storage site and make sure everything's ready," said Walker.
This will be the fourth time Dillard University has had to flee from Mother Nature. The last time was 2008 during Ike and Gustav.
"Following Hurricane we welcomed Dillard faculty, students and staff here through an extended evacuation... This particular storm coming on anniversary of Hurricane Katrina got everyone a little nervous," said Bailey.
Nerves won't get in the way of welcoming their New Orleans' sister from coming to town.
"Take 'em in, open arms, welcome them to our community," said Walker.
Centenary will also make sure their guests have access to wireless internet and television since being away from family members can be traumatic.
