TTU hosted its youngest batch of students in the Hooper Eblen Center this week after fire destroyed the Jere Whitson Elementary School last Saturday.

	Campus officials welcome students and parents

When President Bob Bell heard the fire trucks racing past Walton House early Saturday morning, he knew something major was wrong. After he heard about the fire and went to the scene, he saw the devastation on the faces of the Jere Whitson and school board staff already there.

His immediate reaction, like so many others, was to offer any assistance possible from the university. It didn't take long for officials to realize how important that offer would be.

"We are all part of the greater community, and I hoped Tennessee Tech could offer some type of support," says Bell. "We have benefited so greatly from the contributions of this community; this is the least we could do.

	Jere Whitson Principal Terri Anderson with Awesome and TTU President Bob Bell

"I knew the Hooper Eblen Center would be large enough to hold them, I just didn't know how feasible it would be."

School officials recognized the value of available resources and assistance and jumped at the opportunity to partner with TTU for what Jere Whitson teachers began to refer to as "Camp Jere Whitson at TTU."

Campus administrators from Athletics, Facilities, University Police, the Business Office, Academic Affairs, University Advancement, Environmental Health and Safety, Student Services met with Bell and a city police representative to work out logistics on Sunday. By Monday morning, students were being dropped off and Camp Jere Whitson began without a hitch.

	Bell and Awesome help three Jere Whitson students model their shirts

TTU not only provided the location, but also donated access to copy machines, wireless Internet, telephones, tables, signs and chairs. Security is provided throughout the day and especially during pick-up and drop-off times for traffic control. The Fitness Center continues to serve as a physical education site and a school supplies donation point. The Greek Life Office has also been collecting supplies and donations for the school. And students, faculty and staff across campus have helped in many other capacities.

The gift Jere Whitson students seemed to value most came yesterday, however. Awesome Eagle and Bell delivered a surprise to the students, teachers and administrators — t-shirts emblazoned with the Golden Eagle logo and "Jere Whitson's Little Eagles" marking the back.

"I have never been more proud of Jere Whitson or more honored to be associated with my alma mater, Tennessee Tech, than I am right now," proclaimed a tearful Terri Anderson, Jere Whitson school principal, when they saw the shirts.

The school will continue to occupy Hooper Eblen through Friday, March 30. Until then, Camp Jere Whitson will continue to be the youngest group of TTU students to attend class on campus.