JACKSON, Tenn. — Jan. 15, 2009 — 51社区 will mark the one-year anniversary of the Feb. 5, 2008, tornado that destroyed much of the university鈥檚 campus with a thanksgiving dinner and service Feb. 5 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
The tornado caused about $40 million in damage to the Union campus, wiping out 70 percent of student housing and badly damaging six other buildings. Fifty-one students were injured that night, but no lives were lost.
In the days after the tornado, more than 5,000 volunteers and 8,000 donors from all over the world came to Union鈥檚 aid. The university regrouped, resumed classes on Feb. 20 and embarked upon an aggressive rebuilding plan that saw 14 new student housing buildings completed and opened for the fall 2008 semester.
鈥淭he Feb. 5 commemorative event provides opportunity for the university to offer praise to God for his providential care for the Union family over the past 12 months,鈥� Union President David S. Dockery said. 鈥淚n addition, this time of celebration gives us the privilege to say a huge word of appreciation to all of those in this West Tennessee community who have helped us through the most challenging days in Union鈥檚 history.鈥�
鈥淩emembering Feb. 5: An Evening of Thanksgiving鈥� will feature a 250-voice community choir, plus testimonies from students and others whose lives were changed by the tornado. The service will also include a time of recognition for the 鈥渄edicated efforts of first responders, community and church leaders, contractors, construction workers and all who went above and beyond the call of duty to help rebuild and restore 51社区,鈥� Dockery said.
The banquet will begin at 6 p.m., with the program starting at 6:45 p.m. Seats for the banquet are $125, with tables of eight available for $1,000. Balcony seats are $25. All proceeds will benefit the Rebuilding Union Fund.
For more information or to reserve seats, call (731) 661-5050 or (800) 338-6644.