University to raise quake relief money

University President Paul Locatelli, S.J., announced Wednesday that Santa Clara would contribute to relief services for the recent earthquake in Pakistan, amid criticism from some students and faculty that the university should have raised donations from the start.

In an e-mail to undergraduates, Locatelli said the university would donate $7,500 to Catholic Relief Services, in addition to thousands already raised by students and the Jesuit Community.

"The situation is growing more critical with each passing day as winter weather begins to settle in," Locatelli said.

The university declined to raise money last month, citing that there was no "identifiable" agency that could collect aid.

Locatelli asked that donations be submitted to Campus Ministry by Friday, Nov. 18.

The Oct. 8 earthquake has killed more than 50,000 people.