Thursday, November 20, 2025

Message from the President

Dear Colleagues,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to take a moment to thank our colleagues in student affairs, especially Mariana Martinez, who work tirelessly to support our students that are grappling with food insecurity and other needs. Ideally no one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that approximately 23% of all undergraduate college students struggle with inconsistent access to nutritious food.

UNO established the Privateer Pantry to offer our students a selection of shelf-stable food and personal care items. This semester alone, the Privateer Pantry has already filled over 300 orders. Our UNO students have said:

"The Privateer pantry literally SAVED my life. This is an INVALUABLE resource for students."

"There were many times that this service was the only way I was able to eat."

Here are some things that you can do before Thanksgiving to support the Privateer Pantry and UNO students:

• Stuff the Privateer Pantry Food Drive | Today (Thursday) & Friday 11:30 AM-1:00 PM | UC Atrium

• Come donate and learn more about the Privateer Pantry. We will also continue to collect donations in the Student Affairs office (UC 248) during regular business hours. Want to give but can't make it to the store? Order off our Amazon Wish List and it will get sent directly to the Privateer Pantry.

• Reginelli's Giveback Event | Today, Thursday, Nov. 20 | Lakeview, 874 Harrison Ave. Head over to Reginelli's for lunch or dinner and they will donate 10% of your order when you mention UNO Privateer Pantry.

Thank you for considering these opportunities and for all that you do to support our students and our university community.

With UNO Pride and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving,

Kathy E. Johnson, Ph.D. 
President, University of New Orleans