Quinnipiac University’s Honored for Response to 2018 Tornado

HAMDEN, CT – Quinnipiac University has been recognized at the National Campus Safety Summit in Las Vegas for being among the top 25 universities that are making a difference in student safety.

Quinnipiac’s recognition is based on the actions of facilities, public safety, student affairs and public affairs following the May 2018 tornado that damaged the Mount Carmel Campus.
“The response to the tornado speaks to the universal community commitment to serve our students, and that ethos of working together is what we consistently strive for every day on our campuses,” said Keith Woodward, associate vice president for facilities operations and co-chair of the Emergency Management Team at Quinnipiac.

The tornado toppled about 450 trees on the Mount Carmel Campus, mostly in the Pine Grove area, and damaged university buildings, vehicles and athletic facilities. Quinnipiac worked in collaboration with the town of Hamden and United Illuminating Company in the aftermath. Within days, the campus was clean and safe for students to enjoy Senior Week activities and commencement ceremonies. The total cleanup effort lasted months.

Linda Shaw, director of the Safe Campus program, said the top 25 list recognizes outstanding achievement by administrative departments. All 4,298 U.S. accredited higher-education institutions were eligible for the honor.

“Quinnipiac University’s organized multi-departmental response to the tornado helped ensure the safety of the campus community,” Shaw said. “Each top 25 department has shown dedication to improving the safety of students, employees and visitors at their institutions.”
Quinnipiac’s award was announced during the National Campus Safety Summit conference Feb. 26-27 in Las Vegas.

“A student-centered, holistic approach to safety is enhanced when a culture of departmental collaboration is achieved,” said Edgar Rodriguez, chief of public safety and co-chair of the Emergency Management Team at Quinnipiac.

Safe Campus’ mission is to improve safety and emergency planning and response at U.S. higher-education institutions.