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| Written by T.R. | ||||||
| Friday, 09 September 2005 | ||||||
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Hurricane Katrina may be the worst natural disaster in U.S. history. In
the wake of the devastation and displacement of people 2,500 miles
away, the University of Idaho community is admirably following the lead
of organizations across the country and helping those in need. As college students, the Argonaut staff can’t comprehend how difficult it would be if our university were suddenly gone. The Editorial Board applauds UI’s efforts to help students in such a situation. UI offered 10 students who were studying or planned to study at New Orleans universities one-year, full-ride scholarships to attend UI. The students who have accepted these scholarships so far are all from cities in the Northwest. Since the university is limited in how many scholarships it can afford to offer, helping locals who are directly affected by the disaster is a good move. The university is also offering aid to other displaced undergraduates, graduate students and law students from across the nation. Faculty members from New Orleans universities have not been forgotten, either. UI is offering temporary teaching or research placement for winter intersession and the spring 2006 semester. UI students also have ample opportunities to help out — and should. Chemistry professor Thomas Bitterwolf has organized a school supplies and toy drive for children affected by the hurricane. Students, staff and faculty can donate items, which will likely be sent to victims via the Red Cross, in the box by the east door of Renfrew Hall. The university has also made it easy for those who want to donate money to the Red Cross. Anyone can send checks to the president’s office, and UI employees can have a donation deducted from their payroll. Other notable charities include World Vision (worldvision.org), Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org) and the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (louisianahelp.org). Many student organizations are also involved in relief efforts, so those who can’t donate money can donate their time and support to group efforts. Lionel Hampton School of Music students, in conjunction with the Washington State University music program, will perform at a benefit concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Administration Building Auditorium. Admission to the concert is a donation toward hurricane aid. While music school director Jim Murphy said he hopes concertgoers fill all 440 seats of the auditorium, we ask, why not a loftier goal? Why not standing room only? Why not have to turn people away at the door? There are around 10,000 students at UI and nearly 18,000 at WSU. Filling 440 seats should be effortless. College students are known for their activist tendencies. Let’s prove this true, follow the precedent of UI administration and get involved in Katrina relief. There is no shortage of opportunities.  Add as favorites (25) | Views: 859
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