STILLWATER, Okla. — In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept across Oklahoma on March 14, several families found themselves facing the heartbreaking loss of their homes. Among them was Andrea Connelly, an alumna of Oklahoma State University (OSU), whose home was destroyed in the flames. However, thanks to the swift response of OSU, Connelly and other displaced families were offered a place to stay free of charge while they navigated the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
For Connelly, the loss of her home was a traumatic experience. “It was a very large panic attack. But then, you know, you put your boots on and just get going,” she said, reflecting on the intense fear and uncertainty she felt as her home burned down. The fire struck at around 4:00 p.m. that day, and by 7:30 p.m., her house had collapsed into ashes. As overwhelming as the situation was, Connelly, who works as an Extension Program Educator at OSU, found strength in the support she received from the university.
OSU’s response to the disaster was swift and compassionate. The university opened its doors to house five families affected by the wildfires, offering them a safe haven while they worked to recover. These families, many of whom were either employed at OSU or currently enrolled in degree programs, were provided with temporary housing free of charge.
Dr. Amber Manning Ouellette, the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at OSU, explained that the university made sure to address the specific needs of each affected individual and family. “Faculty and staff were able to fill out a form specifying their needs, and once we received that information, we had a staff member reach out to offer assistance,” said Dr. Manning Ouellette.
She emphasized that supporting the university community in times of crisis is a top priority. “We always keep the Cowboy community as our top priority, especially when they face unexpected hardships,” she added.
Connelly, who has worked closely with the Department of Transportation’s Vegetation Management team at OSU, said the stability provided by the university was invaluable during a time of uncertainty. “That offered us a lot of stability,” she noted, expressing her gratitude for the support extended to her and her fellow displaced families.
The generosity shown by OSU highlights the power of community and the essential role institutions play in supporting their members during times of crisis. As Connelly and others continue to rebuild their lives, they can take comfort in knowing that they are part of a community that cares deeply for its own.
