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Hurricane Katrina Hero to Speak at UC Commencement
Take-Charge Lt. General Russel Honore to Deliver Commencement Address May 17
Written By Thomas Armitage '09, PR Intern
Honore, credited with restoring order to New Orleans, will address UC's Class of 2009
Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu
Utica, NY (05/07/2009) - Hurricane Katrina is now synonymous with disorganization and governmental incompetence. After ineffective attempts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to save the city, one man was sent to intervene. Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré and the 1st Army landed in New Orleans and began immediately helping to rebuild the city and aid its people.“He came off the doggone chopper, and he started cussing and people started moving,” said New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin in a CNN report in early September 2005, not long after the storm swept across the United States’ southern coastline. Honoré’s authoritative attitude helped to accomplish tasks in what had become an unsettling environment.
Former Commander Honoré has been selected as Utica College’s commencement speaker for its 60th commencement ceremony on May 17. The three-star general will reveal his personal experiences with the infamous hurricane and discuss preparedness, organization and leadership with the graduating class.
In late August 2005, America experienced one of its worst disasters in history. Hurricane Katrina swept across the Gulf Coast and devastated New Orleans and south Louisiana killing over 1,800 and leaving nearly $81 billion worth of damage. The city was in the midst of panic, thousands of homes were destroyed and many were left to scrounge for food and water.
The Mississippi River swelled and overflowed and the storm surge breeched the levees, flooding surrounding areas, while Louisiana citizens poured into the Superdome and convention centers to seek shelter from the destruction. In the midst of chaos, they found virtually no government assistance and some even feared for their safety. Honoré stepped in. He ordered his men to point their guns towards the ground, reminding them that they were not in Iraq and emphasized that it was a humanitarian relief operation. The leader took charge, restored order and began to help begin the long and ongoing process to rebuild the city.
“Most of the students graduating this May began their academic careers at Utica College in late August 2005, precisely when Hurricane Katrina was disturbing our country,” said Paul Lehmann, director of student activities. “Throughout their four year college career, they have been able to see how the government handled the clean-up and restoration of New Orleans. We believe Russel will deliver an insightful speech that will relate to the students. Not only will they learn more about the events that took place after the storm, but will also take away strategies about being prepared and organized that will help upon graduation.”
Honoré has traveled around the world and has been decorated for his outstanding leadership skills with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. The Lakeland, Louisiana native earned his master’s degree in human resources from Troy State University and received a bachelor’s degree in vocational agriculture from Southern University. He published his first book, titled "Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disaster," on May 5.
Utica College’s commencement ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
