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.