Date: March 30, 2005

For more information contact: Pat O’Brien (901) 333-4021 / Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023, (901) 489-4771

SOUTHWEST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS COLLECT “RE-LEAF” FUNDS FOR TSUNAMI AID
Written by: Pat O’Brien

Students Andy Ling and Jiro Kanazawa led a campaign by Southwest international students to collect funds for tsunami aid, via the Memphis Chapter of the American Red Cross. Ling and Kanazawa presented a check Tuesday, March 29, 2005, for $300 to Caron Byrd, community relations manager for the local chapter.

The students sold leaves to “re-leaf” the tree they designed. Donations of $1 to more than $20 per leaf helped to fund the tsunami relief efforts of the Red Cross. They also sold pizzas for additional earnings. Byrd joined the students and International Student Coordinator Debbie Hunt for the presentation. Many of Southwest’s international students come from parts of the world affected by these recent disasters.

Southwest’s international program draws students from approximately 70 different countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America.