UND Students Receive Holiday Support from Operation Campus Friends

On December 2, 2003, students at the University of North Dakota (UND) will have the opportunity to send holiday greetings and support to 110 of their peers currently deployed in Iraq. This initiative is organized by a campus group known as Operation UND Campus Friends, which aims to provide connection and encouragement to those serving overseas.

The holiday cards will be available for signing from 09:00 to 16:15 at various locations on campus, including Memorial Union, Gamble Hall, Wilkerson Hall, and Odegard Hall. Additionally, cards will be accessible during the Lighting of the Green Ceremony, set to take place at 17:00 the same day in front of Memorial Union. Each card will contain a 600-minute calling card, allowing the students to maintain communication with their families and friends back home.

Operation UND Campus Friends was created in March 2003 by Adele Kupchella, the wife of UND President Charles Kupchella, and Lillian Elsinga, the dean of students. The group includes representatives from various campus organizations, such as fraternities, sororities, student housing, and student government, demonstrating a strong community commitment to supporting deployed students.

In addition to the holiday greetings, a fundraising initiative will be launched at the same locations to assist with the costs of cards, calling cards, and postage. Donations can also be made during the UND craft fair on December 5.

Enclosed within the holiday cards will be letters from both President Kupchella and Student Body President Adam Baker, further enhancing the personal touch of this outreach effort. Looking ahead, Operation UND Campus Friends plans to convene in January to discuss care packages for Valentine’s Day, ensuring ongoing support for those away from home.

This initiative not only offers a tangible way for the campus community to connect with deployed students but also reflects the enduring spirit of camaraderie and support among the UND student body during challenging times.