The Chinese Student Association and Global Connections, the organization of international students, are collecting donations for a memorial fund set up for Xin Du.

Du, 23, had just come to SMU from Shanghai, China this semester to study molecular and cell biology. She was the sole fatality in the area from this weekend’s flash flooding.

Du was a passenger in a vehicle when the car stalled due to the rising water. Du and the driver exited the vehicle but lost their balance in the rushing water. The two clung to the nearest tree, waiting for help to arrive – but Du lost grip and was swept away.

Donations to the Xin Du Memorial Fund are being accepted to help cover the costs of bringing Du’s parents to the United States at the SMU International Center in the Blanton Student Services Building, Suite 216.

Donations may also be sent to:

“Xin Du Memorial Fund”

Bank of America

5116 Greenville Avenue

Dallas, TX 75206

Tel: (214) 527-3561

Account Number: 004883322668

Routing Number: 111000025 (for wire transfers to the account)

-Austin Kilgore