Noting that the nation came to CSUN's assistance following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which left much of the campus damaged, university officials said they wanted to return the favor by raising money for the American Red Cross.

"Cal State Northridge suffered tremendous damage during the earthquake, and people and businesses across the country responded with an outpouring of support and assistance," said CSUN President Jolene Koester. "Now it is our turn to repay that generosity."

Volunteers at tables set up throughout the campus will be asking for $15 contributions. Fundraising organizers noted that if each student, faculty and staff member on the campus gave $15, more than $500,000 would be raised.

The campaign will begin at the welcome celebration which takes place on the lawn of the Student Services Building/Bayramian Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Additional tables will be set up that day in the University Student Union, near the colleges of business and education, outside the Freudian Sip Coffeehouse and near the Matador Bookstore. These locations will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8; Monday, Sept. 12; Tuesday, Sept. 13; and Wednesday, Sept. 14. The tables will be manned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9.

At 4:31 a.m. on Jan. 17, 1994, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocked the Los Angeles area, its epicenter only a little more than a mile from Cal State Northridge. More than 70 people died as a result of the quake, and buildings across Los Angeles were severely damaged, or even destroyed, by the temblor. On the Northridge campus, all 107 of its buildings were damaged, some beyond repair.

"I remember vividly how devastating it was those days after the Northridge quake and how important it was to know that people understood and that help was on its way," said Tom Piernik, director of Student Development and International Programs and one of the event coordinators. "We have a special chance as a campus community with this effort to show our gratitude for all the help we received."