Editorial: Seattle U's Haiti response exemplary

The immediacy and urgency conveyed by Seattle University's response to the Haiti earthquake has exceeded expectations. In an age where most political activism ends upon joining a relevant Facebook group, community activism at Seattle U has been impressive to say the least.


Make no mistake, Haiti Facebook groups are being founded by the dozen.


Not even 24 hours after the disaster occurred, student leaders gathered in the Campus Ministry office to discuss aid and fundraising ideas. Basketball halftime shows, one-on-one counseling talks and benefit concerts were among the ideas thrown around.


One would expect the excitement and popularity of caring to die down with the headlines. This is not the case. If anything, the levels of responses are growing with no end in sight.


If charity and generosity are really lessons this school wants to impart upon its students, then these responses are shining examples that those lessons are not falling on deaf ears.

And best of all, it's contagious.

The benefit concert in March, for example, is attracting big names from all over the Seattle area unlike any other campus event in recent history.


Aside from the huge student crowd the event is supposed to draw, the Seattle Sounders are scheduled to drop by and sell autographed merchandise for Haiti relief aid. Mayor Mike McGinn has even promised to make an appearance.

The concert is arguably receiving more attention than Quadstock or this year's opening home game at KeyArena, and rightfully so.


Campus Ministry has been the hub of all this community activism. Their inboxes have received hundreds of concerned e-mails asking how to help.

Monetary donations have been literally pouring into the undersized glass jar in their office. Their largest donation was from a man who dropped in a check for $1,000.


A single donation of that size is jaw-dropping. Best of all, people understand that money really is the best way to give right now, rather than boxed supplies or food.


The unexpected surge in community empathy and charity highlights a hopeful trend, one that fits the often cited mission statement of Seattle U perfectly.

The editorial board may be reached at opinion@su-spectator.com.