After devastation from Hurricane Helene swept through the region, Augusta University’s President, Dr. Russell Keen, is sharing insight into damage sustained by the college and a date for its reopening.
Damage to campuses
According to initial reports, multiple of AU’s campuses sustained substantial landscape destruction, but most buildings are in good shape.
“Damage to the buildings has been minimal in comparison to the landscape,” said Keen.
He noted that the second floor of Oak Hall, a student residence facility, has experienced some leakage.
According to Keen, the Summerville Campus, Health Sciences Campus, Riverfront Campus and Christenberry Fieldhouse have full power, water and internet connectivity.
The Health Sciences Campus has sustained damage to a crosswalk whose concrete posts were completely dislodged. Keen said this campus is facing “lots of cleanup, but nothing major as it pertains to our buildings and facilities.”
Keen noted that there are “hundreds and hundreds” of trees down throughout the Forest Hills golf club course, which is part of the university’s Christenberry Fieldhouse.
AU to reopen Monday.
In light of Helene’s widespread impact, the college has announced that it will reopen on Monday, Oct. 7 with a modified instructional plan. Keen said that AU realizes that not all students and professors will be able to resume learning or teaching on this date.
Additional resources
Students and the community are encouraged to visit AU’s blog of storm relief updates.
