Animal science Professor Sam Varghese's return to the university after assisting tsunami victims in India should boost efforts here. MSU has many resources and connections that can be tapped into to aid Southeast Asia.

Varghese's generosity is a prime example of the kind of work MSU could extend to the ravaged countries in Asia. He physically handed out $17,500 to survivors while traveling across southern India. He also gave medical treatment and food safety tips to help the country's people. He plans to return to India and use the remaining money he raised to start long-term efforts.

Upon returning to MSU, Varghese proposed a relationship between MSU and the University of Kerala in India. The relationship would be a wonderful way for the MSU community to help tsunami victims. It could focus on issues such as helping children and families or improving nutrition and health.

The university held a candlelight vigil in January in honor of lives lost in the tsunami and started a fund but has done little since then. The vigil was a good way to show care and concern from the MSU community, but this university should use more of its resources to aid victims.

Varghese's efforts to create a relationship between MSU and the Indian university should be supported by other faculty members who can give the idea some steam.

MSU aid could allow us to serve as a guiding light for other universities around the country. It might motivate other institutions to donate their faculty, money and resources as well. More people working to help repair the damage that continues to affect Southeast Asia will only help speed up the recovery process.

The experiences Varghese had in India should remind us all that the problems in Asia have not disappeared. Although media coverage has diminished, the countries affected by the tsunami still are suffering from its impact.

MSU needs to step up and help out - Varghese's experiences and ideas are a perfect springboard to do that from.