Students organize to aid victims of Kobe quake

Wharton graduate student Michael Hsueh helplessly watched the satellite broadcasts of the destruction caused by the earthquake in Kobe, Japan. But with the aid of a small group of fellow students, he turned his frustration into action. In an effort to support quake victims by raising relief funds, the students began soliciting donations from students and faculty. Hsueh, who was born in Taiwan, spent a year in Japan as an exchange student, and later returned to work there for nearly four more years. He said these experiences made the earthquake much more meaningful to him than to most other University students. "One of the purposes of this effort was to?hopefully inspire other students and groups to get involved and help out," he said. The Japan Global Connection and the Wharton Japan Society have already assisted him in his fundraising efforts. In addition, Hsueh is hoping that Wharton faculty members will be able to contribute to his cause. For some students, the reality of the quake has hit home. Wharton MBA student Bruce Atkins was stunned by news of the earthquake since his wife is from the Kobe region and still has family living nearby. "The first week of classes after winter break, both of us were numb," he said. "It was a really weird feeling." Kurihiki Higashi, another Wharton MBA student, was directly affected by the quake. Both his aunt and grandmother were caught inside their house as it collapsed. His aunt remains in the hospital. Hsueh said he hopes to alleviate this type of suffering, and is currently searching for an organization willing to distribute the relief funds. Beginning today, the groups will place donation boxes in Vance Hall. Their efforts will culminate on Thursday when they plan to hold "Japan Night" at the MBA Pub in Vance Hall. They will be accepting donations at the door. The night will include a tea ceremony at 6 p.m. and a Shoirnji Kempo martial arts exhibition. The festivities will continue in Mayer Hall at 6:30 p.m. with an exploration of Sumo wrestling. Japan's Asahi Corporation has donated its "Superdry Beer," to be served at the MBA Pub Thursday night. Donations can be sent to the Wharton Graduate Association for the Japan Global Collection Kobe Earthquake Relief Fund.