While You Were Away

his letter is written especially to those of you who haven’t been back to the University of Miami in recent years. I think this issue of Miami magazine might entice you back, particularly after you read our cover story on the presidency of Edward T. Foote II, who leaves his office on June 1 after 20 years of service.

So much has been accomplished during President Foote’s tenure. From the addition of state-of-the-art new buildings and the renovations of others, to the beautiful new fountains, courtyards, and landscaping, the changes are breathtaking. On the Coral Gables campus, for instance, have you strolled the handsome brick-lined Billings Memorial Walkway around Lake Osceola and admired the School of Music’s L. Austin Weeks Center for Recording and Performance? Have you enjoyed a production in the renovated and renamed Jerry Herman Ring Theatre? Worked out at the new George A. Smathers Student Wellness Center? Attended a business program at the new James W. McLamore Executive Education Center? Taken in an exhibition at the expanded Lowe Art Museum? The list of impressive new facilities on the University’s campuses continues and is much longer than this space can accommodate.

Even more important are the individuals and work taking place within those walls. The faculty has grown in number and research productivity, improving students’ classroom experience. Academics are stronger. And student quality has risen, which brings me to another story in this issue, “Class Portrait.” Some alumni have remarked about the University’s higher selectivity, “I doubt I could be admitted to UM today.” For some, this statement may well be true. Whether you have a child who is considering attending the University, or you wish to recommend it to other prospective students, you will want to read about today’s undergraduates.

By now if you are thinking about that visit back, plenty of alumni activities await you. Be sure to check out the Alumni Digest and Datebook sections for details. And after you’ve visited the University, please send us an e-mail or letter about your impressions.

—Elizabeth McKey, Editor

Letters from our Readers

On Target with Iron Arrow

With mixed emotions I read Cheryl D. Chapman’s piece, “Arrow Heads” (Fall 2000) detailing the tribulations and status of Iron Arrow, the highest honor and oldest tradition at UM.

Of particular interest and perhaps some personal vindication was the mention of women becoming eligible for selection in 1985. That was 12 years after The Miami Hurricane in a 1973 editorial called for an end to the male-only discrimination policy that Iron Arrow unfortunately had become identified with. I was editor-in-chief of the Hurricane when that editorial ran in the fall of 1973. I was later confidentially told that my candidacy, which was denied due to that editorial, was at the time the longest candidate eligibility debate in Iron Arrow history.

Not being chosen for Iron Arrow was probably the biggest disappointment in my four years in Coral Gables. For some reason, after reading Chapman’s story, I feel better about the organization today!

Roy Berger, A.B. ’74
via the Internet

Making a Miami Fashion Statement

The fall 2000 edition of Miami magazine was another super issue. The staff continues to circulate a publication worthy of high praise. Congratulations!

On the cover of the fall issue is a picture of persons wearing Indian jackets. My wife was so fascinated by them that she wondered if there was any way we could purchase one.

I took three degrees from the University cum laude and served on the Law School faculty from 1956 to 1960.

You are doing a marvelous job. Keep it up.

Donald D. Rowe,
B.B.A. ’54, J.D. ’54, M.A. ’60
Lakeland, Florida

Editor’s Note: The beautiful patchwork jackets worn by our alumni on the cover are made by members of the Miccosukee Indian Tribe and carry a special Iron Arrow insignia on the lapels. Similar jackets without the insignia can be purchased from the Miccosukee Gift Shop, located at the Miccosukee Indian Village on the Tamiami Trail Reservation in Miami. For information, contact the village by telephone at 305-223-8380 or mail at Post Office Box 440021, Miami, Florida 33144. You also may visit the tribe’s Web site at www.miccosukeetribe.com.

Old Friends Found Online

Thank you so much for helping me find my friend, Shirley Newman, through the Online Directory on MiamiAlumni.net. The Rabinowitzes and Newmans, all University of Miami alumni, spent a wonderful day together today—the first time in more than 20 years. Nothing like old friends!

Carole A. Rabinowitz, B.Ed. ’59
via the Internet

Keep on Surfin’

Thank you for the terrific job you did on the recent article “Sam Ballam Rides the Waves of Success” (Class Notes, Fall 2000). It was a privilege to be featured, and I think that you truly captured my passion for surfing. I have received many interesting calls about the article with the most frequent comment being, “I can’t believe you are a surfer!”

Recently I traveled to Hawaii on a three-day business trip, where, of course, I squeezed in some surfing (three times). In January I traveled to Costa Rica for a week of surfing to celebrate my 50th birthday.

Thanks again, and keep up the good work.

Samuel H. Ballam III, B.B.A. ’72
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Alumnae Find Common Bond

Your magazine gets around and has an impact.

I attended a panel discussion at American University titled “Have the Media Killed Feminism?” One of the panelists was Patricia Ireland (J.D. ’75), the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). She was superb. I went up after the program to compliment her, and she said she had just seen your piece about me in Miami magazine (“Sonia Fuentes Has Come a Long Way,” Fall 2000). She had not realized before that I, like she, was a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law. She shared the article with the NOW Board.

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

On Our ‘Best Behavior’

Thank you for the outstanding mention of behavioral medicine research in your last issue (“Best Behavior,” Fall 2000). It is reassuring to see a major research institution involved in exploring the mind/body connection and addressing “the whole person” for multiple disease states. Congratulations to Dr. Neil Schneiderman and his colleagues on their hard work and recognition.

JoAnn L. Yanez, B.S. ’96
via the Internet

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