The 2024 total solar eclipse is just a month away, and students at Arkansas Tech University are currently actively working to support this historic eclipse.
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — A total solar eclipse is just a month away, and city and state officials are working hard to finalize the details.
Arkansas Tech University students are also actively involved in supporting this historic event.
“This is a truly unique opportunity and we are thrilled to be a part of it,” said Susan West, Chair of the ATU Solar Eclipse Committee.
As the total solar eclipse approaches, some students at Arkansas Tech University are training to prepare for the big day and the influx of people on campus.
“There are several places on campus that can be rented for people coming from out of town,” West said. “All the money we raise goes to the RSO, which is a registered student organization, because they work with us for the event.”
West said 60 of the 125 spots are reserved.
“We're very excited,” West said. I feel very prepared. I believe in the students, I believe in the training we are providing them, and I think it will be a great event. ”
Students and fraternity brothers like John Hyland and Garrett Womack will be on campus during the eclipse.
Through their participation in the student organization Resilience in Disasters and Emergency, they have already received training for community emergency response teams.
“We will be helping out this weekend when all the other student organizations are certified,” Womack said.
Training ranges from first aid to responding to natural disasters.
“We're also going to have a big class on wireless communications,” Hyland said. “So we are able to communicate effectively between first responders on campus and all those who work with the eclipse committee during the four days we operate on campus.”
They said they planned to have a good time, preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.
“I think everyone is looking at this like a big slumber party where we all spend four days together on campus,” Hyland said. “It's going to be a fun time.”
Between 10 and 15 student organizations will be on campus during the event, and scientists from the Weather Channel and NASA will also be on site.
