September 08, 2005 - Nearly 50 families from hurricane-ravaged Slidell, La., will move to the metro area this week.

They are employees of the online college Grantham University. Instead of rebuilding in Louisiana, the group has decided to move to Kansas City and set up temporary offices at 2300 Main Street. Eventually, they hope to move to Zona Rosa.

For now, the company is putting up its employees at a local hotel.

"Good news, bad news. University destroyed, but by next week it'll be up and running. Employees have nothing but the shirts on their backs," said Joe McGrath, with Grantham University.

University officials said it will eventually hire about 100 new employees in the metro area, but for now, it is focusing on helping employees and their families start over.

About Grantham University:
Established in 1951, Grantham University is a private institution that specializes in online education for the working adult student. Its mission is to provide accessible, affordable and academically challenging online courses and degree programs that prepare its graduates for careers in business, engineering technology, computer science, criminal justice, information technology and other professional fields. Grantham University offers a military scholarships and discount program for active duty, reserve, guard, veterans and military family members, as well as scholarships for law enforcement professionals. Grantham's courses are 100% online, allowing students to study at home, at work, on Temporary Duty (TDY) or from almost anywhere in the world. Grantham University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). For more information, visit www.grantham.edu or call 1-800-955-2527.