DANA COLLEGE SUSTAINS HEAVY DAMAGE
FROM SAT. STORM
No injuries, but more than $1 million in
repairs needed
Dana College was still assessing damage from Saturday,
May 22’s hail storm on Monday, but it is clear the campus
will require more than $1 million of repair work.
Baseball-size hail fell for around a half hour on
the same day the college celebrated Commencement for the Class of
2004. Fortunately, because classes had ended for the semester, there
were no injuries and little damage to student property, other than
hail damage to some cars.
According to Bob Schmoll, chief financial officer
and vice president for financial affairs, six of the college’s
buildings sustained significant damage. Overall, 150–200 windows
were broken on the north sides of Mickelsen, Rasmussen, Argo and
Elkhorn halls, as well as Pioneer Memorial and the Dana Hall of
Science. These buildings also received the greatest roof damage,
including the loss of all vents and many of the skylights. It is
highly likely some of the roofs will have to be replaced.
In addition, three of the college’s leased vehicles
lost windows and windshields and all of the college vans sustained
heavy hail damage. The president’s car was also damaged in
the storm. There was also some water damage in some of the buildings.
Damage to the college’s computers and networks is also suspected,
but will take time to survey.
“We have assessments going on right now to determine
the extent of the damage,” Schmoll said. “We already
have consultants on campus and have started filing with our insurance
company, but the college will have to cover its $10,000 deductible
first.”
Dana College President Myrvin Christopherson said
he is thankful no one was hurt in the storm. He thanked members
of the Dana staff for coming in immediately to ensure the buildings
were safe and clean up broken glass, water damage and fallen limbs
and debris.
“We hope much of the damage will be covered
by insurance, but know that not all is covered,” Christopherson
said. “We know that the loss will be significant.”
Dana College is a place where all students actively
participate. They make things happen — in their own lives
and in the lives of others. Through a highly supportive faculty
and campus community, Dana students develop interpersonal skills,
leadership abilities, and other important values and knowledge as
they make choices about their future. Dana’s outstanding academic
programs in business, education, music and social work, among others,
ensure that students have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary
to pursue challenging careers or placement in graduate school.
Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution
in Blair, Neb. To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.
Dana College: Develop talents,
Take charge, Build a future — We’re with you all the
way.
— END —
For more information contact:
Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
(402) 426-7216
scavanah@dana.edu
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