Yangbo He and Yang Gao, two plant science graduate students from Harbin, China, were playfully tapping on each other’s arms and laughing as they waited in a long line outside of the Memorial Union at NDSU. They and hundreds of other students were waiting to be bussed to another location to help with sandbagging efforts in anticipation of the Red River flood.
As graduate students they are often isolated from a majority of the student population, but when the Bison community threw its weight behind the sandbagging efforts, they were quick to volunteer.
“We want to be one of the members of students to help protect [the city],” He said.
At 10:30, they were still just outside the union as the cloudy sky continued to sprinkle a few drops of rain on the line. They didn’t know exactly where the bus would take them, but they were ready for a big day ahead.
NDSU cancelled classes at 9 a.m. Monday and encouraged students, faculty and staff to help with flood prevention efforts. It is estimated that 2 million sandbags will be needed. The Red River is anticipated to crest for the first time on Thursday, March 26.
Volunteers reported to the NDSU Flood Protection Volunteer Center on the Main Floor of the Memorial Union to sign waivers and sign up for shifts.