A time of need

Millions of peoples' lives changed on the morning of Dec. 26. The tragic tsunami that ravaged South Asia, claiming more than 150,000 lives and destroying cities and villages in its wake, has triggered an outpouring of support from the international community.

Nearly $4 billion has already been pledged worldwide, and that total is climbing daily. Governments, corporations and private citizens from all corners of the earth have signaled their willingness to help pick up the pieces.

At Penn, student organizations such as the Asian Pacific Student Coalition have fundraising events planned.

While these events on campus are noble efforts, institutional action is sorely lacking.

Harvard, for example, has pledged to match the first $100 of every donation students, faculty and staff make to the relief effort and has organized campus events to help in that pursuit.

Penn, meanwhile, has sat on the sidelines.

It is time the University -- if it is committed to making lasting contributions to global society -- put its weight behind the relief effort.

Money is not the only answer. As home to one of the world's finest medical schools, Penn is in an advantageous position to offer help to those who are suffering. And that is just a starting point.

An international event such as this goes far beyond the scope of merely cleaning up the mess. There are so many social, cultural and economic ramifications that it is a great opportunity for interdisciplinary study and action.

In this vein, our University should play a prominent role. We can show the world that we are not just future leaders but also good citizens.

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