Mironda Heston, 24, who graduated last May with a Master's degree in Sustainable International Development from the Heller School, died last Tuesday from Dengue fever, a rare mosquito-borne disease she contracted while serving as a relief worker in Haiti. Her passing is particularly stinging because there are still many students and professors here who knew her well. For their grief, and the grief of Ms. Heston's family, we send our condolences.

Perhaps most upsetting is that Ms. Heston was performing good deeds in an impoverished country where she fell ill. But we hope her sacrifice does not deter Brandeis students and alumni from pursuing similar noble endeavors abroad to improve the welfare of those less fortunate.