Kent State University’s NYC Studio Weathers Superstorm Sandy

In late October, when Superstorm Sandy hit the Northeastern coast of the United States and devastated parts of New York City, the Garment District studio of Kent State University’s School of Fashion Design and Merchandising weathered the storm.

While classes in Kent were cancelled for a day on Oct. 30, classes at the New York studio were cancelled for an entire week during the storm and its aftermath.

“Only people in the evacuation zone evacuated,” says Young Kim, interim director of Kent State’s NYC Studio. “I personally did not, but some students left the city.”

Kim kept in contact with her students and the Kent Campus during the storm through telephone calls and emails.

“I monitored multiple channels via Web and televised sources to update the students, faculty and staff,” Kim says. “I also sent out email communications, which gave a detailed course of action.”

Luckily, the studio sustained no damage and it never lost power.   

Classes were cancelled from Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, due mostly to public transportation suspension throughout the city. Classes resumed their normal schedule Nov. 5.

“I did my best to inform all of us in NYC, as well as the Kent State family in Kent, about the storm,” says Kim. “I am most definitely sure that the information and updates comforted them and prepared them. Many in NYC and in Kent expressed their gratitude for the information.”

For more information about Kent State’s NYC Studio, visit www.kent.edu/artscollege/fashion/studyAway/nycstudio/about/index.cfm.