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Celebrating President Watkins

Doctoral candidate Rob Kent de Grey MS’14 took the opportunity at a recent student social to have President Ruth Watkins sign his copy of the Summer 2018 Continuum. “She has the most important quality a leader can possess: a real commitment to doing as much as she can to improve conditions for as many people as possible,” Grey says. “I wanted her autograph so I could be reminded of her commitment to individuals, not just to institutions.”


Inclusion & Diversity

I really enjoyed the Fall 2018 issue. I’m so proud to be an alum!... One reason I loved this issue is because of the stories about diversity and inclusiveness—”The Cry Closet,” “Finding Refuge in Education,” and “A Harmonic Progression.” I was thrilled to see how the U is a leader in bringing these important qualities to Salt Lake City specifically but also the state. I’m also excited to see that the university has a woman president—another great example of diversity. Keep up the great work!

Lynda Roberts, BFA’98 MPA’05 | Sausalito, California


Working Hard, Giving Back

What a great example of making the most of opportunities, working hard, excelling, and then going back to his roots to help others to achieve. [“e-Commerce Mogul in Tanzania,” Summer 2018]…. If more people did this, think of what a wonderful world it would be!

Janet Gillette BA’69 | Salt Lake City


Library Memories

[“What Have We Here?” Fall 2018] I was a sophomore when the Marriott Library opened…. How thrilled we were to have such a modern and beautiful building to study in…. At about the same time, the U built the Special Events Center later named the Huntsman Center. The campus felt like we were moving from the old and outdated to new and modern.

Scott Tennis BS’71 MEd’79 | Layton, Utah

 

I remember many long nights in the old library on the circle and the new Marriott Library. I also have fond memories of the old lower campus library and the new (now old) remodeled Marriott.… I’m the first in my extended family to receive a college degree. Now, all my family that are old enough are graduates and fans and loyal Utes.

Gary L. Webster BA’65 MSW’67 | Salt Lake City


Coach’s Picks

Dear Coach Whittingham: Thanks for some very interesting selections. [“Books that Score Points with a Coach,” Fall 2018] I am struck by the diversity and the vibrant messages you drew from each of these books….

Stephan Stringham BS’83 | Oldsmar, Florida

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University of Utah President Ruth V. Watkins

Cheers for President Ruth Watkins

The [Summer 2018] article stresses that President Watkins is ready to take the university to the next level of excellence in all areas. With her at the helm, I have no doubt it will happen.

Cecelia H. Foxley MA’65 PhD’68 | Former Utah Commissioner of Higher Education

Brooke Adams wrote a fabulous piece on Ruth Watkins. She created such a clear and inspiring picture of our wonderful new leader. Thank you.

Pamela S. Perlich PhD’92  | Gardner Policy Institute, U of U


Phone-Free Driving

This was a great article! [“Hang Up and Drive,” Summer 2018] I am going to share it with all of my adult kids. I am also going to pull over if I need to use my phone. This really made me think seriously about my phone and driving. Thank you so much.

Liz Cowan | Salt Lake City


Thanks and Congrats, Chris Hill

Dr. Hill, congratulations on an outstanding career. [“Chris Hill Calls it a Game,” Summer 2018] Thank you for interacting with our Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston alumni chapters…. You were and are an inspiration to many people in our Texas communities, including myself. We know you and your family will enjoy your next “career.”

Davis Tubre MBA’73 | Haltom City, Texas

I would like to thank Dr. Chris Hill for his many years and accomplishments at the university…. I have always felt Utah athletics was in good hands with him at the helm and have been proud of the way he represented the University of Utah. Good luck and Godspeed, Dr. Hill.

Marilyn Colombo Halamandaris BA’59 | Villa Park, Calif.


From Books to Beakers

What a wonderful story of adaptive reuse of a remarkable building. [“Pop Quiz,” Summer 2018] On a nostalgic note, I well remember the reading room pictured at the top of the article—but mostly from spending hours there reading history while in high school. I can even recall the ambient scent of that room, shades of Proust. I majored in English literature at the U, but eventually history returned to claim my postgraduate career interests, probably in part from the love of that reading room. Thanks for a fine and informative piece.

David N. Wetzel BA’65 MA’67 | Kansas City, Mo.

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Doug Fabrizio and RadioWest

Others may disagree, but I consider Mr. Fabrizio to be one of the best interviewers anywhere. (“Still Riding the Waves,” Summer 2017). He is always superbly prepared—reads the books from cover to cover—and I’ve heard him complimented by his subjects more than once on his excellent preparation. As an interviewer, he is on par with the ever-excellent Terry Gross, and I like his style much better than Charlie Rose (whom my dad idolized)….

M. Guy Durrant
Manila, Utah

Doug’s show grabs my interest virtually every episode. Incredibly prepared and willing to ask difficult questions without being offensive. His interviews bring out the thoughts and questions that come up in my mind. I listen to his podcast every night as I go to sleep and finish on my way to work in the morning, re-listening to older shows when I run out of fresh.

Lee Taylor*

I love listening to RadioWest! The interviews are so interesting, and as Doug interviews, I’m captivated, and often, Doug asks the very questions that I myself am curious about. This program is my most favorite of all of the programs. And yes, I’m a podcast listener as well. Doug is a jewel here in SLC!

Cindi*

I would say that Doug Fabrizio’s low point in his broadcasting career was his September 5, 2006, interview of Dr. Steven Jones of BYU, which was supposed to go over the physical evidence Jones was uncovering that called into question the official story of the collapse of the three WTC buildings on 9/11 (Bldgs 1, 2 and 7). Instead the interview turned into a process of entrapment trying to implicate Jones in a “conspiracy theory” as to who did it. This lasted 20 minutes and was followed for the rest of the hour by an even more egregious interview featuring two professors….

Bradley R. Larsen MS’89
Bountiful, Utah


Scientific Discovery and Climate Change

We don’t have to spin antiquity into political climate change (“The Cave that Holds a Million Bones,” Summer 2017), because the climate changes almost every day and has been changing since the beginning of time. If we’d keep to the facts in academia and media, the world would be a better place.

Jim*


Generations of Grads

This is great! (“A Long Line of Alumnae,” Summer 2017). My son is starting at the U this fall, and when he graduates, he will also be a fifth-generation alum. Love it!

Sheila Greaves Tuitele BS’93
Centennial, Colo.

*Comments made in response to articles online at continuum.utah.edu. Visit articles to read more.

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Rise and Write

Well-written article! Fascinating teacher and writer.

Linnea Charnholm BS’91
Draper, Utah

Wonderful story. Some very good tips for an aspiring writer—except for the part about getting up at 0430. Ugh! Thanks.

Bob Poirier BS’73
Martinez, Calif.


Intellectual Infusion

Great article! Professor Martinez was by far my favorite professor at the U. I learned so much from her. Many things I still use to this day. She made me think differently both then and now. The University of Utah can only HOPE to have more instructors just like her.

Michele Mills BS’06
Salt Lake City


Runnin’ with the Pac

(article) My brother [Frank MD’84] and I are alumni living in California. We rarely had a chance to see Utah sports until they joined the Pac-12. It is fantastic attending games out here and wearing Utah red.

Patrick Robinson BS’80
Sacramento, Calif.


Foodie Gone Wild

Great article, great life story. Just a new fan to North Wild Kitchen, but becoming devout. My wife is Norwegian, so the Scandinavian food experience is new, fun, and wonderful. Put me on the list for a copy of the cookbook when it comes out.

Stan Lucas


Godfather of The MUSS

(article) I have known John [Fackler] since the early 1980s. His enthusiasm for the U is incredible. He remains a great guy and a true asset to the university. The state is fortunate to have him.

Frank Pignanelli BA’81 JD’84
Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City [John Fackler is] one of the true professionals in alumni affairs. And one of the best Utes I know!

Patti Daves


Facing the Teacher Shortage

(article) One solution I like to think exists with education in general is to look for alternative ways people learn. I believe that there are many opportunities to use video games. Of course, like everything else, limiting the amount of time kids play video games in one sitting is important, but one of my interests in game development is helping education. I’m glad programs like the U’s EAE [Entertainment Arts & Engineering] studio exist.

Arturo Ordonez-Hernandez
Current U master’s student in EAE

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Facing the Teacher Shortage

(article) I received an absolutely first-class teacher education at the University of Utah and taught for 32 years, two in Utah. I am currently a millionaire who has traveled the world in retirement, thanks to good pay, benefits, and investments that became possible for one reason alone: I taught the other 30 years in California.

Doug Pursley BA’74
Monrovia, Calif.

[In about 1977], my sister who had a master’s degree and many years more experience as a teacher in Utah was making barely any more than I was as a new teacher in Miami-Dade, AND she did not have the health benefits we enjoyed. I knew I would never return, especially since I was a single parent. And as an incentive for Florida teachers, if we receive the superior rating and [help students] achieve a high SAT or ACT score, we are eligible for a bonus of up to $10,000. This is something Utah might consider.

Tanya Cummins BA’76
Chuluota, Fla.

As a graduate of Utah public schools and the U, I was the grateful recipient of a valuable public education and have high regard for those teachers/ educators who were passionately dedicated to giving me their best! In Utah back in the early ’80s, I didn’t realize how low the pay was for teachers (and nurses) until moving to Oregon in 1984. … So that they remain dedicated, passionate, and in their jobs long term, the PUBLIC and your LEGISLATURE need to care for these valuable assets in the community. What great teachers provide is VALUE beyond measure to every one of us. It’s valid the support the U is outlining in this article, but let us not be led astray: being fairly compensated is NOT beyond what a dedicated, educated, and experienced teacher should ask for!

Susan (Hayes) Gervasi BS’79
Clackamas, Ore.


Farewell to OSH

(article) Alas I lament… Freezing cold summer classrooms or the very smelly, nasty bathrooms… the days so long and office space so wrong… I shall miss you, Orson Spencer Hall, despite your odd half-bathroom stalls.

Jason Knight MPA’15
West Jordan, Utah

I want one of the bricks! OSH was the birthplace of my intellectual life. I still hear the voices of Don Garrett, Fred Hagen, Peter Appleby, Bill Whisner, Mendel Cohen, John Francis, etc., etc. first heard in the classrooms, hallways, and offices of the OSH. It was the perfect temple, both sacred and democratic.

Rex Pond BS’84 MS’93
Salt Lake City


Like Father, Like Daughter

(article) Well done, Bev! The campaign trail is difficult and demanding, but you have persevered and won! Thanks, Melinda, for sharing Bev’s story. It is women like you that continue to pave the way for women.

Phyllis Cassatt
Clackamas, Ore.

 

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The Good Fight

(Re: Ken Sleight, “Fighting for the Wild,” Summer 2013) I loved him in the ’70s, admired his work and the monkey-wrenching he did with Ed. He’ll always be “Seldom Seen” to me, in my mind, and I think he would like it that way. These guys were REAL men… not afraid to speak their minds, to hold on to what’s real and holy, not give a damn for dams or money or polluting for money. Honorable men, men worth their salt, and the memory of them hopefully will spur on the young ones to keep up the good fight. Hope the movie gets made, if only for inspiration, if not for nostalgia! EARTH FIRST!!!

Patricia D’Avolio
Stoneham, Mass.


Red Butte Garden

What a terrific job Chris Mautz and Derrek Hanson have done in raising money for the garden (“Music in the Mountains,” Fall 2016). The concert series is a success because of their foresight, leadership, and skills. The Red Butte concert series would not carry on without them!

Barbara Sisk
Mesa, Ariz.


 The Stork

One of my biggest thrills ever watching baseball on television was seeing one of my former students, George Theodore (“The Stork,” Fall 2016), come to bat in the 1973 World Series. As a Mathematics Department teaching assistant in 1965-66, I remember George as a solid mathematics student in my Analytic Geometry class.

Noel Marquis MA’67
Sedona, Ariz.


Continuum: 25 Years

Ah, yes, I remember it well—that first issue of Continuum. Can it really have been 25 years ago? (“One More,” Fall 2016).

I was president of the Alumni Association. John Ashton had been executive director only three or four years. Ted Capener was vice president of the University of Utah, with administrative responsibility for the Alumni Association.

Launching an alumni magazine was an adventurous commitment. John Ashton originated the idea. I had edited two or three magazines during my career. But Ted Capener was the key. He carried the idea to the administration, successfully defending the magazine against less than unanimous support.

We discussed at length a name for the publication, eventually selecting Continuum because it described what we were trying to accomplish—develop a continuing relationship between alumni and their university—and because it was one of few words containing a double ‘U.’ (Only the University of Utah can legitimately claim the double ‘U’ as its logo.)

Congratulations to all those who have worked hard and capably to sustain Continuum over a quarter of a century.

Don Gale BA’58 MA’60 PhD’85
Former Alumni Association Board president
Salt Lake City

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Global Justice

Thought provoking! [“A Voice for Global Justice”] Encouraged that change will come by the mere fact that Ms. George puts her voice and her efforts to work with the same passion. Thank you for caring and doing.

Janet Harvey
Cade, La.


Good Trouble

The article was really good! [“Good Trouble,” Summer 2016] I attended the U from 1958 after I got out of the Navy and graduated in 1962. The high point was meeting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. … As I recall, the only black student was basketball star Billy McGill. Things have sure changed for the better!

Sid Karsh BS’62
La Canada Flintridge, Calif.

Editor’s note: Read a feature on the late Billy McGill ex’62 here.


Much Ado

Being one of the women in one of her workshops in Zoho [“Much Ado About Something,” Summer 2016], I must say it was one of the best writing workshops I have ever attended, especially in the technology space! I mean, who teaches you to write for Google and other technology-driven search engines by reading Virginia Woolf and MLK and Malcolm X?! I already have goosebumps thinking of the beautiful two weeks spent at Emily’s workshop!

Hannah Jayapriya


Partners in Prevention

My wife and I moved to Los Angeles a few years ago to be more readily available to help my son and his family. (His daughter has a rare, debilitating disease.) We’ve gotten heavily involved in the nonprofit International Fibrodisplaysia Ossificans Progressiva Association, which works on behalf of the patients and families involved with this disease. In the fall, we will be hosting a scientific conference, bringing researchers together from around the world. It’s hard to imagine a better story than the article on Dr. Schiffman [“Partners to Prevent Cancer,” Summer 2016] and his “aha moment” to underscore the importance of these conferences.

Paul Brinkman
San Pedro, Calif.


It Takes a Person

Editor’s note: More than six years on, the article “You Need a Person” (Spring 2010) continues to get comments due to the impact of the work by its subject, Distinguished Professor Polly Wiessner:

Polly, the missionaries who devoted their life in Enga, and for those still working, I thank you for the great work done. For you Polly… you are a legend, and we love your willing heart in bringing such development to promote our unique culture.

Kelly Plane

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Difficult Choices

Featured ImageI’ve been haunted by the riveting title of “Why Should it Be So Hard to Die?” (Spring 2016) since reading it. The rasping irony of Peggy Battin’s story—both fictional and real—brought to light the complex, difficult choices that cluster at the end of our lives. Last month I was present at the bedside death of my father-in-law, the third of my parents to die peacefully at home. Achieving that quiet end required difficult conversations, lots of planning, and, often, swimming against the tide. Work like Battin’s, and this article in Continuum, will encourage us to ponder end-of-life choices earlier rather than later. Parting from our loved ones is hard, but death itself shouldn’t have to be.

Lisa Thomas
Orem, Utah


Housing the Homeless

Amazed at the success of this program (“Providing a Home,” Spring 2016). It gives me hope, especially to see young people involved and passionate about a program they see truly helping people.

Barbara Nord


Overdose Epidemic

In a time when the news is full of the most despicable examples of what human beings can become, how refreshing and wonderful to see two people doing so much to help so many (“Siblings Unite to Confront the Overdose Epidemic,” Spring 2016).

Jeff Key
America Junction, Alabama

God bless you [Jennifer and Sam Plumb]. In a world full of addiction, you are the light that shines.

Lisa Smalley
Vernal, Utah


Reaching Out

This is a great article, and one that I hope many students, faculty, and staff will read! (“When Bright Minds Turn Dark,” Winter 2015-16) Mental health concerns are particularly prevalent in graduate students, and I hope that in time more students will reach out for help and be more vocal about their experiences. I hope the stigma on anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders fades over time.

Katie Robinson
U doctoral student in neuroscience

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A Lifeline

Thank you for writing this wonderful article focusing on mental illness and young adults (“When Bright Minds Turn Dark,” Winter 2015-16). I’m impressed with the efforts that the University of Utah is displaying to help alleviate the stigma that can be attached to such topics. This is a great resource for young adults or any individual who may be struggling with mental illness.

Lisa Spencer, MLS
University of Utah Eccles Health Sciences Library 


Progress

Dr. [Kam] Leang’s work is interesting, fascinating, and pioneering (“Man in Motion,” Winter 2015-16). It will add significantly to humankind’s progress.

Lawrence P. Bestmann PhD’75
Windermere, Fla. 


College Costs

I don’t think there is any question that getting a college degree is a reasonable investment in one’s future (“The Cost of College,” Fall 2015). My career has certainly been benefited by my BSEE degree. However, given that the tuition when I graduated (not that long ago) was about $5,000 a year, it is disappointing to hear the U use, “At least we aren’t as bad as the other guys!” as a defense for constant tuition hikes. I feel like the U is failing in its charter to provide good, affordable, accessible education to Utah students. Where do these rate hikes end? …For a public institution to follow the private model shows a profound disregard for the special trust it is given.

Zeb Fisk BS’07
Madison, Alabama

Given the current research showing that playing football causes brain damage, isn’t it ironic that universities fund football teams and pay million-dollar salaries for coaches from the skyrocketing tuition of students? I love higher education, but I think legislators shouldn’t give universities any more money until the Regents stop trying to make universities farm teams for professional sports that cause brain damage.

Sue Frenzel BS’94
Minneapolis

Editor’s note: We at the University of Utah care deeply about the safety of our student-athletes. The sports medicine team at the University of Utah is actively involved in concussion research. This research is contributing to the understanding, diagnosis, and prevention of these serious injuries. Policies on the awareness of symptoms of concussion and return-to-play protocol follow standards approved by the NCAA and the Pac-12. As far as salaries are concerned, please understand that state money and tuition do not fund the University of Utah’s football program.

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Flowing Impact

This was a very intriguing article (“A Big Splash,” Fall 2015). I have marveled at many of these water features without knowing their connection to my alma mater. Thanks for the story!

Frank Heiser BS’55
Cedar City, Utah

Great story! I can’t thank the U enough for the great education I received. My master of public administration degree led to my current position as registrar of voters for Marin County, California

Lynda Roberts BFA’98 MPA’05
Sausalito, California

Madame Curie

Love this poster! (“The Curie Poster,” Fall 2015) It’s great to see U women recognized for following in Marie Curie’s footsteps. Admirers of Marie Curie may like to look at the Marriott Library’s first edition of Traite de Radioactivite, Paris, 1910 (QC721 C98 1910), held in the Rare Books collection. Traite is Curie’s fullest statement on radioactivity, a word she created for a concept that she invented and defined. One year after the publication of Traite, she became the first scientist to be awarded a second Nobel Prize, for the isolation of the elements radium and polonium.

Luise Poulton BA’01
Rare Books Manager, Marriott Library Salt Lake City

I wish to congratulate Tomi Carr, Dave Titensor, and Marla Kennedy as well as [the Continuum editors] for the impressive “Curie Poster”! It is an innovative way to recognize a Nobel Prize-winner. Her legacy remains well in Poland today, and your artwork is a testimony of the good things that come out of the U. Thanks for printing it, and for its impact on those of us with Polish heritage.

Ernie Witucki BS’64
Lakewood, Colorado

Highs and Lows

Bill was a great guy (“A Book for Life,” Spring 2014). He was a gentle and kind man who could play the drums almost as good as basketball. I dated him in ’61 and ’62, until racial prejudice got so bad for us that Coach Gardner told him we had to stop seeing each other. [Billy McGill was black, while Nelson is white.] Bad PR, I suppose. Still, I thought the world of him, and he was lots of fun.

Sharon Nelson
Salt Lake City

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Training for Life

The article on sports psychology, that’s the kind of stuff that rings my bell [“The Mental Game,” Summer 2015]. It gives insight into the fullness of sport and life. In particular, I liked Tyler Cooperwood’s comment that [Nicole] Detling is a “great listener” who has helped him with life on and off the gridiron. To me, the important word is “off.” Yes, indeed, a great gift to the teams and especially the athletes, to be used as enrichment for life.

Richard Ferrone BS’74
Sandy, Utah

Helping Student Parents

Great article [“Balancing Act,” Summer 2015]. Congrats to the U for being sensitive to the needs of their students. It makes one wonder what solutions the other 90 percent of the children have and how many are left home alone. No wonder parents burst into tears when they find that they qualify for quality care for their children on campus. Keep up the good work. Great pictures, also.

Judyth Bramwell
Blackfoot
, Idaho

Praise for Jack Newell

I thought it worth noting that Jack always had a penchant for wearing tweed sport coats and was instrumental in launching a number of our careers [“An Examined Life,” Summer 2015]. The foundational liberal educational program Jack built with a few dedicated faculty and students was the highlight of its era at the University. How unfortunate, as the story goes, that a myopic administrator of rank was able to dismantle this central program in the experience of many of us who worked at the University of Utah.

Edward L. Kick
Professor, North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina

How splendid, Elaine [Jarvik], to post a review of Jack’s life and achievements… Will you write next about Linda [King Newell], whose accomplishments parallel Jack’s? She, too, is exemplary of the woman in a world ruled by men, the one who would not be silenced in the places and projects that mattered. Thanks again!

Maura Beecher
Ottawa, Ontario

An Anthropologist’s Impact

We now find ourselves caught in between two contemporary cultures—the traditional and the Western culture [“You Need a Person,” Spring 2010]. Most young Engans today find it difficult to accept both cultures. And the odds are that they will neglect the traditional ones in favor of the Western. What you [Polly Wiessner] have done to preserve Engan culture will be remembered by this generation and for the generations to come. You have made us proud!

Alois Tanakae
Adelaide, South Australia

 

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Praise for a Poet

Ah, I seldom fall in love at first read, but you are an exception [“Chapter and Verse,” Spring 2015]. ’Tis shame I once thought of myself as a poet. Now I know I was just a stuttering kindergartner struggling for the word lost.
P.S. I find this article one of the best to come out of Continuum.
P.P.S. I am interested in your mapping book. I have a very old book describing the development and areas of S.L.C.

Joyce Archibald Erickson BS’53
Washington, Utah

Thanks to a Tennis Coach

I had the opportunity to play for the Utes from 1995 to 1999 [“Match Points,” Spring 2015]. I have to say, F.D. Robbins was one of the best teaching coaches I have ever worked with, and I had a great time under his mentorship. Thank you, F.D., for all your help, and best wishes for your retirement!

Philippe Rodriguez BA’99
Tarzana, California

Vocational Training’s Evolution

As a point of interest, the U still does offer many vocationally related programs, at least in the health and recreation arenas; it’s just the rest of the U’s programming where that has failed, and I think it’s very much our students’ loss [“Practical Preparation,” Spring 2015].

Sheryl McCallister BFA’88 BA’88
Salt Lake City, Utah

Missing Racquetball Courts

How ridiculous that the new Student Life Center contains only two (!) racquetball courts [“Landmark U Student Life Center Opens,” Spring 2015]. This is a major reduction from several courts at the old [Einar Nielsen] Fieldhouse and the HPER complex. Not sure what dimwitted genius made this call, but it was a stupid and ridiculous decision.

Rob O’Neill 
Salt Lake City, Utah

Comparing Air Quality

Most of our close family celebrated Christmas at our antebellum home in relatively clean air South Carolina [“Clearing the Air,” Winter 2014-15]. My brother, who lives in Orange County, California, will be giving all of us a hard drive with about 4,000 digitized pictures of our growing up years in the Utah of the 1960s and 1970s. We did a preview of the pictures, and one thing that stands out is the crystal clean air quality of the incredible vistas in southern Utah. Conversely, we toured the Southwest a couple of years ago and were struck by the pathetic vistas of murky horizons everywhere. Good luck with the University’s air efforts.

J. Ben Schreiner BA’69
Camden, South Carolina

Remembering a Friend

I grew up with Kathy [Kathryn Stockton] in Connecticut, right through high school. Our families were friends. So cool to see this article [“Engendering Curiosity,” Winter 2010]. Recalling her razor-sharp mind, intellectual curiosity, kind demeanor (and she was a damn good musician!), I can only say that it is no surprise to me to read in this article of her journey and accomplishments. I wish I’d had more time to know her better in the day, because I relate to her journey, as well. If you run in to her, say “hi.”

Gene LeFebvre
Comment submitted via continuum.utah.edu

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Seeking Diversity

As a 2014 Utah Ethnic Studies graduate, this article [“Partners for Diversity,” Summer 2014] put a huge smile on my face! Keep up the great work, you two [Dolores Delgado Bernal and Octavio Villalpando]!

William Theel BS’14
Salt Lake City, Utah

The minor in Spanish that I received at Utah has been a wonderful addition to my great appreciation of Latin culture. Language and culture studies are an integral part of the university experience. Yes, we should market that experience the best we can to a diverse population.

But we cross a line when marketing and student outreach becomes outright political activism. This article uses words such as “activist” or “social change” several times. What is activism other than an effort to exert political influence? I want to send my children to schools that teach world culture in an objective light without an agenda. Is there a way to promote diversity in a way that promotes respect for everyone and in a way that diminishes racial and sexual dividing lines, rather than putting them into sharper relief? I hope so, but having read this article, I don’t think the University is accomplishing it.

Nathan Peirce BS’96
Fort Collins, Colorado

Sounds of the West

Loved reading about Jeff [Rice] and [Kenning] Arlitsch and their wonderful project—so important to document and preserve the sounds of life [“Listening to the Natural West,” Summer 2014]. I will check out the [University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott] library for sure. Good work—I’m glad someone is doing this.

Peg Collins
St. George, Utah

A Worthwhile Book

Regarding [Ed] Catmull [“Cultivating Inspiration,” Summer 2014]. I heard him on a PBS talk show a couple of months ago. While he didn’t say so, I was certain he was from Salt Lake, and bought the book [Creativity, Inc.] immediately. It is a great and inspirational book.

Hal Lemmon BS’56 MS’59 PhD’63
Diamond Bar, California

Kudos for the Rock

Was happy to see the Rostrum getting some press [“The Campus Rostrum,” Spring 2014]. As a classics professor at the U, I have been intrigued by this lonely monument since I hired on here. You filled in some gaps about the history of the Rostrum in the ’50s and ’60s that I hadn’t come across. I wonder about the switching out of the stone. Some of the images do seem to contain a stone that looks taller than the one that sits in Presidents Circle now….

So this is the centennial of the Rostrum!!!

Alexis M. Christensen
Salt Lake City, Utah

We visited the Rostrum today on its centennial day, April 16, 2014. Wondering what it meant, I came across this article. After comparing my photos and those in the article, I’d say it is the original rock. Or would like to think so. Thanks for the interesting history.

Anne Penrod
Salt Lake City, Utah

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One Memorable Basketball Player

The legend of “Billy the Hill” McGill continues to live strongly in the archives of my mind [“A Book for Life,” Spring 2014]. I was a sophomore and junior at Granite High School during the peak of his career as a Ute. My friend and neighbor never missed a home game and often walked to Einar Nielsen Field House from our home in the Sugar House area to watch home games. I was the sports editor of the Granitian, our high school newspaper, and was able to convince our adviser to write a column on Bill McGill.

Billy was my hero growing up in Salt Lake City. I kept score of every Utah road game via the radio at my home and still have the score book from the BYU game where Billy scored his amazing 60 points. I plan to purchase five of his books, one for me and one each for my four grandchildren.

Dick Lorange BS’69
Vancouver, Washington

Commemorate International Alumni

As a University of Utah alumnus from the international community, it was a pleasure and delight to read articles on “Global U” and “Providing Aid and Respect” [Winter 2013-14]. Reflecting on my experience at the U, it might be motivating and inspirational for newly admitted international students to learn of their erstwhile global alumni achieving success in business, innovation, and leadership in different parts of the world.

One major factor that all of these students have in common is that they are “international” till the day of orientation at the U. After graduating, they embody in them the spirit of academic and intellectual excellence which they learn by being part of the U community. Hence, a wall dedicated to the achievements of the U’s international alumni in the “new state-of-the-art main campus facility” where international programs may be housed as mentioned in the “Global U” article may deserve consideration. It shall serve to be an inspiration for all U students, signifying that Utes are truly global achievers.

Asad H. Sahir PhD’13
Denver, Colorado

A Life-Changing Film Program

I’ve personally witnessed these Humanities in Focus classes, watched the transformation from insecure silence and apartness to personalities set free [“An Encompassing Lens,” Spring 2014]. Watching the evolution of these meaningful people has been one of the great privileges of my life. Several are now my dear friends. Do come and observe even one class of these happy achievers, and come away transformed yourself.

Bonnie Donohue
Seeley Lake, Montana

Appreciating the Rostrum

The last two articles by Roy Webb—Carlson Hall and the Rostrum [“Remembering Carlson Hall,” Winter 2013-14, and “The Campus Rostrum,” Spring 2014]—brought back fond memories of my four years at the U, 1950 to 1954.

As a freshman Sigma Chi pledge in 1950, I was told by Ed Maryon, a great student artist and later head of the U Art Department, to paint the Rostrum white. He gave me a brush and a small can of white paint and said, “If anybody asks what you’re doing, tell them Professor George Dibble said to paint it.” When I finished and the poster paint was dry, we went back to the Rostrum and painted red block U’s on the north, south, and west sides, with “ΣΧ” (our trademark) on the north side. The paint stayed on through Homecoming, when a rainstorm washed most of it off.

Thanks, Roy Webb. I’ve been painting ever since. Go Utes!

Russ Fjeldsted BS’54
Logan, Utah