re you passionate about your work? Most of us like to think we are. We choose our occupations because of natural aptitude or interest. And so, we come to work, day in, day out, out of our own particular need to succeed. For some people-such as architects, writers, actors, sculptors, musicians, and the like-that translates to perfecting a craft. Others-social workers, clergy, teachers, doctors, and nurses-persevere to help others or to better society. Still others-academic geniuses and natural athletes, for example-are just uncommonly good at what they do.

There are people, however, who chose their professions not only because of their ability, but for highly personal reasons. Not long ago, we reported on an important study of the University of Miami's Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), involving a drug that could permit islet cell transplants. In reading the DRI's announcement, a quote by Norma Kenyon, the DRI's director of clinical research, grabbed my attention: "As a transplant immunologist who's worked in this field for almost 20 years, this is the most exciting development I've seen in a long time. However, as the mother of a daughter with diabetes, I don't want to raise false hopes."

The mother of a daughter with diabetes. I was intrigued. How did Kenyon's personal situation contribute to her work as a medical researcher? Who else at the University was similarly motivated to carry out their work? That quotation was the impetus for our story, "Personal Stakes" (beginning on page 10). Like Kenyon, the additional professors we interviewed-in education, law, and psychology-had compelling personal reasons for pursuing their fields of study.

I think you'll find their stories inspiring. Because of their dedication and determination in uncovering answers in their fields, there is greater hope for special-needs children, people afflicted by diabetes, patients battling terminal illnesses, and individuals subjected to legal injustice because of race. All in all, these are some pretty profound reasons for going to work each day.

Elizabeth McKey, Editor

Letters from our Readers

Taking Note of Creativity and Banking

Miami magazine is a beautiful publication. I particularly liked the story on creativity ("Creative Exchange," Fall 1999).

I also was very interested in the article on the joint study done by the University of Miami, New York University, and the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency showing that older and larger banks make fewer loans to small businesses than do new banks (University Journal: "Unprofitable Trend").

With the increasing mergers of banks, this doesn't bode well for small business borrowers. Since women entrepreneurs usually are in the market for these smaller loans, this is an area of particular concern to me as a feminist. I will share this information with my feminist friends.

Sonia Pressman Fuentes, LL.B. '57
via the Internet

Women are going into small business at a rate three to five times greater than men today. Among them are many Jewish women who learned their entrepreneurial skills from their fathers or mothers, or by working in family-owned businesses.

If you are one of these women or if you want to do a mitzvah for women in small business, the next time you are at your bank, ask about their lending practices to small businesses. Are they working with the Small Business Administration to see that women and minorities are getting their fair share of loans-both high risk and ordinary risk-on an equal basis in relation to the number of total loan requests being received by your bank? We do have Equal Credit Opportunity laws in this country, adopted in the 1980s and guaranteeing commercial credit for those previously disadvantaged by the banking industry.

How well are your local banks complying?

Jewish Women's Coalition, Inc.
via the Internet

Editor's Note: The foregoing letter was received as a result of Ms. Fuentes' sharing with the coalition our article about lending trends among older and larger banks.

Congratulations, Cuban Studies

As a University of Miami alumnus and Cuban-American, it was a pleasure to learn that the University is creating an Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies (ICCAS) (University Journal: "Advancing Cuban Studies," Fall 1999).

I believe the University could readily become a center of excellence not only in Cuban studies, but also in Caribbean studies in general, given its diverse student population. The University attracts students from all of South America as well as the Caribbean, in particular the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago. By exploring the experiences of these students, the University can ensure its role as a leader in Caribbean and foreign studies.

As for the ICCAS, until the day that free relations once again exist with Cuba, the role of the institute is of paramount importance. It will serve as a connection with the geopolitical atmosphere within the island itself.

I would like to commend the University and Miami magazine for the article. As always I look forward to hearing about the progress that the University is making.

Nelson Garcia, Jr.,
B.S. '93, M.D. '96
via the Internet

Keeping a global perspective

Thank you for the feature story on the University's international students ("World Class," Spring 1999). I attended the University as an international student from Venezuela. I like reading as much as writing about the circumstances of international students in the United States. Indeed, I tend to get ideas for stories as well as contact names from Miami magazine.

Karin Morales, B.S.C. '99
via the Internet

Finding new hope for healing

It was with interest that I read your article regarding bioengineered skin in Miami magazine (University Journal: "New Hope for Healing," Fall 1999). I received your magazine from a colleague who is affiliated with the University of Miami. We both work within the state of New Hampshire, Special Medical Services Bureau (Title V Program) and have worked these last months intensively with a family of a child with epidermolysis bullosa.

Thank you for the informative article.

Constance S. Cascini
Conord, New Hampshire

Letters: We welcome your letters. All letters must be signed (your name will not be printed if you so request in writing) and may be edited for clarity and space. Address letters to:

Elizabeth McKey,
Miami magazine,
P.O. Box 248105, Coral Gables, Florida 33124
E-mail: alumni.miamiletters@miami.edu