First Words

A THRILLING RIDE

ach time an issue of Miami magazine goes to press, it is the climax of a steady crescendo of effort and excitement. But when the public launch of the University’s largest-ever fundraising campaign coincided with press time for this issue of the magazine, it kicked the usual energy peak into adrenaline overdrive.

Multiple high-level gifts, the naming of the School of Music in honor of a $33 million gift from Phillip and Patricia Frost, and the quest to “move the University into the top tier of American universities” were some of the announcements that took the campus by storm. But the storm has been brewing. With the volume of faculty appointments, groundbreakings and grand openings, student achievements, academic programs, and strategic partnerships that have occurred over the past few years, it’s impossible not to get swept up by the momentum.

In this issue of Miami magazine is an interview with President Donna E. Shalala, addressing questions associated with the campaign. For the president, provost, deans, administrators, trustees, and the rest of us who have been behind the scenes, it has been a thrill ride—complete with all the forces of motion that cause intrigue, exhilaration, even a little trepidation. Such activity, though, has been a journalist’s dream, both in filling magazine pages and in being a point of contact for readers who want to offer their thoughts about campus happenings.

You’ll be reading more in future issues about the campaign and the University’s progress. It is a pursuit of excellence built upon a 77-year foundation of exceptional students, faculty, alumni, and leaders. Be sure to take a moment and be proud of your role in helping the University set this ambitious course in motion.

— Meredith Danton
Editor

Rekindled Pride

have been retired approximately a year, and for the first time in many years I sat down to read Miami Magazine, Summer 2003. Page 2 was exhilarating and set the tone for continued enjoyment as I read the remaining articles, especially “Phase Value,” “On the Bright Side,” and “Read Alert.”

Like most graduates, I can discourse readily on the University’s athletic accomplishments, but the academic achievements as reflected in the articles of this issue have significantly raised my level of pride and respect for my alma mater.

Robert M. Bader, J.D., LL.B. ’50
Port Charlotte, Florida

Homage to Sebastian’s Progenitor

am writing to inform you of the passing of a great figure in my life and in the life of the University. My father, John C. Stormont, A.B. ’60, was the first person to create the ibis mascot, originally called “Icky” and later renamed “Sebastian” in honor of San Sebastian Hall, where he lived.

Steve Stormont
Via the Internet

Editor’s Note: According to a 1958 article in the Miami Hurricane student newspaper, Stormont created the eight-foot-tall costume in three months from a few sheets of discarded insulation, some terry cloth “feathers,” and feet made of ROTC spats with burlap toes. After graduating from the University, Stormont served in the U.S. Army, was a professor at the University of Miami and Miami-Dade Community College, and was a news editor at WPLG, Channel 10. He later moved to the Florida Keys and served as commissioner and mayor of Monroe County.

It’s Not Just a ’Canes Thing

s a native Nebraskan with two degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a 26-year career teaching at the University of Miami, I can identify and agree with the opening quote regarding the potential differences between Miami and Nebraska in the education students may receive (“Harmony in Heritage,” Summer 2003). There is without question a much more “culturally diverse environment” at the University of Miami and in the Miami area.

However, the inference that the University of Nebraska and many other universities are not institutions “where students use their differences to understand and appreciate a medley of cultures on a personal level—without fear, threat, or anger” is an opinion that cannot be substantiated.

Are there not other universities that indeed embrace “differences in ancestry as well as opinion”? Of course there are!

Lee Kjelson
Coral Gables, Florida

Their Vote Counts

wish to make an addendum to your cover article about accomplished students at the University of Miami (“On the Bright Side,” Summer 2003). During my internship at the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, I helped homeless ex-felons apply for the restoration of their voting rights. Recently, I have learned that many of those individuals will probably regain their voting rights next year, pending final judgment in a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Corrections.

The systematic disenfranchisement of ex-criminals counts against the claim that our society is fully just and democratic. It would be interesting to know the extent to which criminal behavior could be prevented by giving all people a meaningful stake in the democratic process.

Rajdeep Singh Jolly, A.B. ’03
Miami, Florida

Photographic Memory

e always enjoy reading the Miami magazine you send to our alumni daughters Lillian and Cristina (now deceased) Carriazo. Page 46 of the Summer 2003 issue (“Class Notes”) shows a picture of Cristina, B.S.Ed. ’01, who died tragically in a car accident in March. However, there is no picture caption or writing on her as a class note, which could have been a way for other alumni to be aware of her fate.

In the brief time since her departure, much has been celebrated of her life, including a major garden dedication at Miami Shores Elementary School, where she taught. As she would have liked, we have established the Cristina Carriazo School Supply Fund, which has already raised more than $20,000 to help teachers and less-privileged children purchase school supplies.

The article on page 30 in the same issue (“Read Alert”) relates much to our daughter’s dedication to teaching the most disadvantaged children to read well and believe in themselves with the strong will and determination she always showed.

Manuel E. and Lillian P. Rionda
Coral Gables, Florida

Editor’s Note: The photo of Cristina Carriazo—“Miss C,” as she was known to her students—was one of three yearbook photos appearing above the Class Note submissions from alumni who graduated in the current decade (2000s). All yearbook photos in the Class Notes section of every issue are selected randomly by the editors.

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:

Meredith Danton
Miami magazine
P.O. Box 248105
Coral Gables, Florida 33124
E-mail: mdanton@miami.edu