SWU, surrounding community, come to aid of Allen University
Allen University students help Joey Turner and Ken Alexander unload the SWU truck shortly after arriving in Columbia Oct. 8. Looking on is Geraldine Livingston, right, executive assistant to Allen University President Dr. Lady June Cole. Turner and Alexander are on SWU's educational resources staff.
Donations came from SWU employees, ALIVE Wesleyan Church of Central, Bethany Wesleyan Church of Spartanburg, Baptist Easley Hospital, Greenville Health System/Palmetto Health and Central Walmart, and many individuals. Pictured with the SWU truck, from left: Joey Turner, educational resources assistant; Rev. Ken Dill, associate vice president for spiritual life, Pat Hickey, maintenance coordinator at Baptist Easley Hospital; Delton Mahaffey, manager of engineering services at Baptist Easley Hospital; Ken Alexander, educational resources manager; Ethan Cashwell, coordinator for alumni relations and special events; and Charlie Fine, 2013 SWU religion alumnus.
SWU employees join area businesses, others, stepping up with needed water
Southern Wesleyan University donated more than 11,000 bottles of water to Allen University, an institution affected by a boiled water advisory issued by the city of Columbia following widespread flooding in the area.
Southern Wesleyan officials realized that clean drinking water has been difficult to obtain in the state’s capital city and, with assistance from South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), immediately mobilized efforts to provide assistance to students, faculty and staff at Allen.
Southern Wesleyan employees, along with several individuals, churches and businesses, donated generously to meet Allen’s need. ALIVE Wesleyan Church in Central donated water and Gatorade. Water donations also came from Bethany Wesleyan Church, Spartanburg; Baptist Easley Hospital; Greenville Health System/Palmetto Health, Central Walmart and the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce.
The donated water quickly filled one of Southern Wesleyan’s larger trucks to capacity, so additional water was put in a university van. Southern Wesleyan employees Ken Alexander and Joey Turner transported the water to Allen University Oct. 8.
Mike LeFever, president/CEO of SCICU, says water problems in the Columbia area could drag on for many more days and is appreciative of this water donation.
“What a terrific outpouring of love by SWU and the many associated with collecting water for Allen University. Ken and Joey were great ambassadors. The Allen community is very thankful,” LeFever said.
Southern Wesleyan University President Todd Voss praised those from the Central area and across the Upstate for their generosity in meeting Allen University’s urgent need.
“Our hearts go out the Allen University and their wonderful students in the midst of this drinking water challenge. Knowing the Upstate had so few issues with the storm, we felt we were in position to help this partner school in any way we could,” Voss said. “Our staff, area business colleagues, and sincere friends showed up in record numbers to provide for this need. I couldn’t be more pleased with this outpouring. Our prayers are with Allen and we hope to keep this relationship strong over the good days ahead.”
“The Allen University campus is thankful for this blessing of kindness and service leadership. It is heart warming to know that the students and staff thought about Allen University and then acted on those thoughts. We thank SCICU for their assistance in this activity as well,” said Dr. Lady June Cole, Allen University’s President.
Both Allen University and Southern Wesleyan University are SCICU institutions.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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