It’s been a long 11 months for ISU students, administrators and alumni and Ames residents, but we’ve finally reached a conclusion — together.

Veishea will return in 2006.

It goes without saying that we’re pleased — we can’t imagine an Iowa State without Veishea. But, after ISU President Gregory Geoffroy’s press conference Wednesday morning, we find ourselves happier with the way the decision was rendered than with the decision itself.

In the months since the April 18 riot, we’ve seen a task force come and go, as well as two commissions and more public forums than we can remember. With each meeting and proposal and report, we wondered among ourselves (and in this editorial space) what would come of these public discussions — action truly based on the public will or an exercise in administrative power under an illusion of public influence?

We’re relieved to say it was the former.

It is apparent after Wednesday’s press conference that Geoffroy, Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco and Government of the Student Body President Sophia Magill truly listened and will continue to listen to opinions and recommendations from ISU students and Ames residents.

The fact that Geoffroy decided to bring the celebration back with the implementation of Veishea task force suggestions indicates a respect for the task force, which included and drew heavily on student participation.

Furthermore, his willingness to reconsider “dry Veishea” policies and look at using normal university alcohol policies on Veishea weekend acknowledges the failure of the dry Veishea, a vital step away from the “blame students” reaction that has existed since riots began happening in the 1980s.

A national summit on riot response planned for the fall is also a welcome idea. The issue of riots goes far deeper than just students or just community relations or just law enforcement. We can only see benefits in dialogue among those involved last April.

Tedesco, too, was impressive in his dedication to work with students to make Veishea successful. He said Wednesday that all options were on the table for solving issues surrounding the riot — even lowering the bar-admittance age to 19 or 20.

This commitment to open dialogue is a relief, especially considering the alternatives.

The University of Maryland, for example, chose to only allow its student leaders to represent student opinion at a meeting with the school’s administrators following a February riot on campus. Such an approach can only sow divisions and lead to further disturbances.

“I am just not ready to give up on our students,” Geoffroy said Wednesday. “I have great faith and confidence in our students and I want to give them another chance to work with us to make Veishea a positive experience for all.”

After his announcement, we can feel comfortable putting faith and confidence in him, as well.