St. John's University Athletics
Pro Golfer Speaks On Hurricane Katrina
3/10/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
March 10, 2008
QUEENS, N.Y. - Professional golfer Dave Stevenson visited St. John's University to meet with the men's and women's golf team to speak on the experience of helping the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
"When a woman in Waveland, Miss., sifting though the rubble of her home on her knees, looked up at the camera and said ... `We just need people down here'... that's when I knew I had to go," said Stevenson.
Stevenson traveled to Lakeshore, Mississippi to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. His presentation entitled, "Hurricane Katrina - One Man's Journey" included photographs and his personal account of his time spent with the victims during the cleanup.
Stevenson spoke to the student athletes about his experience with the community of Lakeshore and his involvement with the Lakeshore Baptist Church. While helping in the reconstruction, Stevenson took pictures of the damage from the hurricane. He later published a book of the pictures in an effort to collect donations for the victims. Stevenson's main initiative is to help raise awareness and funds for the relief effort.
Stevenson has visited Lakeshore five times since 2005 and intends to return at least once per year
"It was definitely very well attended. And I think it goes to show how our student athletes understand the Vincentian commitment," said Eric Rienecker, Director of Academic Support Services. "Last year, we put in over 2,000 hours and our community service has a big impact on the student athlete experiences."
The presentation was part of Student Development program for athletes. The program focuses on academic excellence, career development, community service, leadership and personal development.