The Circle

Issue date: 4/8/04 Section: News

Media Credit: Kate Giglio Shown above is the pipe which led to the flood. The damge done to the wall is visible, as it can be that the steam from the pipe was so hot it removed paint on the wall.

Champagnat attracted the attention of the Poughkeepsie fire department after a pipe burst on the fourth floor on Monday.

The entire student population had to be evacuated while the clean up took place. Marist mechanical services, the housekeeping office, and the office of residential life were on hand to assist students.

Patrick Killilee, assistant director of housing and residential life, was on scene over saw the clean up process throughout the night.

"We had a pipe that was leaking and it caused a fair amount of water damage on four floors of the building," Killilee said. "They spent a few hours trying to get it cleaned out."

Students spent the evening outside College Activities, sitting with friends in the alcoves, playing games, watching TV in the PAR, and wondering what would become of their dorm room and possessions. From 8 p.m. until midnight, Champagnat residents were stranded, unaware of when they would be able to return to their rooms.

Senior Ladys Guerrero, an employee of College Activities, said they helped find ways to entertain Champagnat residents,"

"We basically just rented out board games so they could play in the alcoves or student center rooms that were empty." Guerrero said. "We also gave out pool cues and air hockey and table tennis."

Guerrero said the PAR was setup so students could watch TV and movies while they waited.

Visiting hours were extended in other frosh dorms for the benefit of the misplaced Champagnat residents as a result of the incident.

Michael McLaughlin, frosh president of the Champagnat dorm, said he was pleased with how mechanical services and housing handled the situation.

"Response seems relatively organized and maintenance has been working on it since the start of the event.," he said. "Realizing that it might have been their fault, they are handling it very well."

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