Augusta Students Rally Together After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
It was just before 5 a.m. on September 27 when the sound of sticks beating against the window jolted Brock Hasten from his sleep. Hurricane Helene was making quite the entrance as it swept through his neighborhood, right across from Augusta University’s Summerville campus. Although his front yard was strewn with debris, Hasten thankfully noted that the larger trees managed to stay upright. However, not long after that, a loud crack echoed outside followed by a thunderous crash that shattered the early morning silence—an enormous water oak tree had come crashing down over his bedroom, where he had been sleeping only minutes before.
As classes resumed on October 7 after a brief 10-day hiatus, students like Hasten faced much more than just the return to academics. Displacement and spotty internet connections lingered like unwanted house guests. Many students acknowledged Augusta University’s efforts in smoothing the transition back to campus life, even while they carried the weight of Helene’s impact with them day-to-day. “This whole area, it looks bad, but it’s so much better than it was,” said Hasten, commenting on the recovery efforts. “They got to work, and they just kept working.”
First Impressions Post-Storm
Taking a stroll across Walton Way to assess the campus damage felt surreal for Hasten. The familiar path, once filled with towering trees, had transformed into a chaotic, “apocalyptic” scene. “It was very surreal. It was nothing but rain, and downed power lines that were sparking everywhere,” he said. “You couldn’t walk more than 3 yards before a tree was down.”
University President Russell Keen assessed the damage at around $5.7 million. The storm caused shingles to blow off roofs, crushed iron gates, and water damage to several facilities. But visually, nothing compared to the loss of approximately 160 trees that had formed a beautiful canopy around the campus. “That was like pieces of history that just got destroyed. I mean, that’s just a shame,” expressed Jesse Mays, a sophomore psychology student. The poignant loss included the largest deodar cedar tree in Georgia, which had an incredible 17-foot circumference.
Challenges and Adjustments
Despite the challenges, Keen emphasized the blessings during this crisis. “We can replant trees. We can redo the landscape. We can fix buildings. But we can’t replace a person,” he said. Mays pointed out how the university seemed to adapt quickly. They postponed preliminary exams and quizzes during the first week back to ease students into their return. Yet, while they’re working hard to make up for lost time, it was noted that they would need to find alternatives to fulfill accreditation requirements.
Initial plans to shorten the semester by removing days from planned breaks encountered some pushback from students. Keen soon apologized for any confusion or stress that may have stemmed from the situation. “The fall semester will not be extended, nor will the hurricane impact the spring semester’s calendar,” he stated. Instead, the university will explore different options for completing courses, including potential extra class days on Fridays or Saturdays.
Experiences in the Aftermath
Within the halls of Augusta University, many professors were also navigating the storm’s aftermath. Instructors responded to students’ struggles by adjusting deadlines and pushing back exam dates where needed. Mays observed the collective weight of Helene’s fallout; it felt different on campus, like a silent tension that everyone sensed but few openly discussed.
In an effort to assist students affected by the storm, the university opened a pantry stocked with essentials like food and toiletries. They also offered virtual class options for those not yet ready to return. “Our mission is education, and we knew that some students wouldn’t be able to come to campus and learn last week,” noted Keen.
Student Perspectives and Concerns
For some, like sophomore premed student Ali Hamid, campus life felt almost normal, despite the visible scars left behind by the storm. However, he noted attendance in his chemistry class had dropped significantly, contributing to a feeling of abnormality. “The students not showing up, that’s what made it seem not how it should be,” remarked Hamid. “It’s up to us to also collaborate with that idea.”
No two experiences were alike among the student populace. Hasten found temporary housing with his fraternity as his family home underwent repairs. Some drove home to stay with families, while international students, such as Roberto Barrera from Colombia, faced the unique struggles of being stranded with limited options. “You couldn’t go on the road. You couldn’t get gas. You couldn’t buy groceries,” he explained. With no family nearby, Barrera felt particularly isolated in the chaos.
Keen reassured that students needing help could visit the university’s support site. “I hate it for any student to feel like they’re alone… If someone’s got an issue, we want to know about it so we can find ways to help them,” he emphasized.
