Campuses respond to tsunami disaster

The tsunami that struck Southeast Asia on Dec. 26 set off ripples of relief efforts across Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses.

Minnesota State University, Mankato, began a fundraising competition among student organizations and staff and faculty departments, with donations going to the American Red Cross for tsunami victims.

"The university not only is part of a local and regional community, but it is part of a global community, too," said President Richard Davenport in announcing the drive. "I believe our response to this humanitarian crisis is a measure of our own humanity."

Riverland Community College focused on fundraising for tsunami relief during February as student and employee organizations raised money for the Minnesota-based American Refugee Committee. Proceeds from vending machine sales, ticket sales for a performance of "Metamorphosis," a "Kiss the Cow" contest, a ping pong challenge and a chance to own art created by Riverland employee Ron Wangen all were channeled to the cause.

The Central Lakes College International Club, whose president and vice president are students from Thailand, organized a tsunami relief effort for the college and community.

Co-advisers Rick Kangas and Jim Russell said the club is soliciting donations for a foundation in Thailand. The money will be used to purchase such items as blankets, tarps for temporary shelter, water purification tablets, cooking supplies and medicine.

Riverland Community College President Terrence Leas kissing a cow as part of a fundraiser during a tsunami relief event.

Riverland Community College President Terrence Leas won the "Kiss the Cow" contest when nearly $400 was pledged to see him do it during a tsunami relief event sponsored by the Austin Student Senate. Overall, the college raised more than $3,500 during February for tsunami disaster aid.

Winona State University presented a public forum with a panel of geoscience and geography faculty - as well as students and faculty from the affected areas - to provide a scientific overview of the tsunami and the geography of the area.

The university also organized "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" banquets to raise relief money together with the university's National Broadcasting Society, the Winona area Rotary Club and university community members.

Assistance also was initiated by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities students and alumni who were in the stricken areas. A group of students from St. Cloud State University who witnessed the destruction in Thailand suggested a clothing and bedding drive to student government members on campus, who quickly organized the drive.

A recent Metropolitan State University graduate, Jenn Hanel, was among visitors who helped on the spot. She said she had been in Thailand for five months, teaching and visiting with hill tribes, when the tsunami hit. Pitching in with volunteers from several countries, she helped for several weeks retrieving bodies from the beaches and medical supplies for the doctors, comforting survivors and seeking donations for orphans.

"I realized that it does not matter what troubles one faces or even who you are - rich or poor, American or Malaysian, young or old, educated or uneducated," Hanel said. "In the end, all it takes is one big wave to make everyone equal."