Nelnet distributes gift cards to displaced students - karcher

Nelnet spokesperson Eric Solomon hands out gift cards to displaced students.

Some Louisiana Tech students from hurricane-ravaged areas got a windfall Friday in the form of a $250 gift card. Student loan company Nelnet distributed 1,000 Visa gift cards nationwide to students affected by Hurricane Katrina and 144 went to Tech students. Lincoln, Neb.-based Nelnet worked through college financial aid offices to find displaced students. Roger Vick, Tech’s director of financial aid, says it took his office two days to enter all the required student data into Nelnet's system, but it was well worth the effort. Tech received the most gift cards of any university. Vick says he’s watching for these types of opportunities to help students affected by the hurricanes. “As these (funds) arise from various sources and as people are reaching out, we’re going to try to take advantage of them to help these students as well as process their regular federal financial aid,” Vick said during the Friday event where gift cards were distributed by Nelnet representatives. Students who received gift cards were alerted through an e-mail from Tech’s financial aid office. When Patrick Bowman of Marrero got the e-mail, he couldn’t believe he was getting $250, no strings attached.

“They came out and found us in order to give out money,” said Bowman, a graphic design major from Southern University at New Orleans currently attending Tech. “Instead of sitting on the phone trying to get in touch with the Red Cross for three hours, Nelnet went above and beyond and came looking for us.”

While Bowman hasn't decided how he will spend the money, Sara Mustafa, a fine arts major from University of New Orleans, thinks she will use it on a gift for her boyfriend.

“He didn’t get a gift card and he needs it more than I do,” the New Orleans native said. “I’ll probably do something for my family, too.”

Mustafa echoed many Tech students who said they will give the money to family for everyday things like groceries and gas.

When Gretchen Galschjodt picked up her gift card, she had a throw blanket draped over her shoulders. It was a clear indication of what her money will be spent on.

“I have to go to Chicago in two weeks,” said Galschjodt, a biology major from Slidell. “I have no winter clothes to my name. I don’t even have a light jacket.”

Nelnet spokesperson Eric Solomon thinks students will use the gift card on clothes and school supplies.

“This is just a small thing that we hope could help some students get on the right track while they are at these different schools,” he said. “They may need clothes or just gas to get them home to see their family.”

Students who received an e-mail and have not picked up their gift cards should contact Tech’s financial aid office at 257-2641. Students who are affected by the hurricanes and did not get a gift card are being put on a waiting list in case additional cards become available.