A college is often a self-contained place, an island. This is true even of our University, where we often sit in blissful isolation of what goes on in the world. Hurricane Katrina seems to have changed all that. Our University opened its doors to students from affected institutions in New Orleans and south Louisiana, its students volunteered for hours on end and remade our image from a dissolute party school to a place of sacrifice, honor and character. But we are not alone in our giving. In a gesture as unexpected as it was stunningly kind and honorable, Arizona State University donated $500,000 to the Hurricane Katrina/Rita Student Relief Fund, upping the $60,000 raised by Student Government so far. The money from ASU comes to us from the profits on ticket sales at the LSU-ASU game with another $500,000 going to the Bush-Clinton Katrina fund. This generosity will not be forgotten. And yet, we know that no amount will ever be enough to truly help every student affected by the hurricanes of the past month. While we acknowledge that not all of the elligible students will apply for the aid they are allowed to receive, $560,000 will be but a drop in the bucket of need. This is why we agree with SG’s call to continue raising money – appealing to both students and corporations for funds that will go to assist those affected most by the natural tragedies of the previous month. If Arizona State, a university completely dry from the rain and ruin of Katrina and Rita, can assist us with half a million dollars out of the kindness of their heart, we can give more and do more. As time wears on, and more and more of the displaced residents of southern Louisiana move back to their homes, students can help them as well. We can rebuild lives by helping build homes, clear debris and set things back again. The efforts of ASU and SG, as well as those of countless other individuals, has been a testament to the better element in human nature. Let’s keep this ball rolling and rebuild our state into a more just, civil and caring society.