CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 12, 2008) – In an effort to provide flood relief assistance to Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas Mount Mercy College has opened its residence halls to members of the Air National Guard, many of whom assisted at the Boys Scout Camp in Western Iowa that was struck by a deadly tornado yesterday evening. Also being housed in the Mount Mercy residence halls are army and air force personnel, civil engineers, and nurses from St. Luke's and Mercy Medical Center. These individuals will all be involved in flood relieve efforts. At this time the Mount Mercy residence halls are at capacity.

“Mount Mercy is proud to assist the local community in any way we can during this time of need," says Mount Mercy College Vice President of Finance and Business Operations Barbara Parks Pooley. "We stand ready to assist in whatever capacity we can."

Mount Mercy has a strong history of helping those in need. The Sisters of Mercy, founders of Mount Mercy, arrived in Cedar Rapids over 100 years ago and established ministries that addressed needs of indigent people. In 1924 the Sisters founded Mount Mercy Academy, which today is Mount Mercy College. The institution remains focused on educating students and instilling in them a passion and calling to serve the common good and help where help is most needed.