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Comments and Opinions from University of Miami Alumni and Friends |
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First Words We’re on a Roll
For universities, observing a new year is an entirely different matter. For faculty, administrators, and students, the year ends symbolically with commencement in May, as thousands of students complete requirements for their degrees and begin the next phase of their lives. This May, all of us connected to the University of Miami can look back and recall what a remarkable academic year 2001-2002 has been! Last October the University and local communities joined together to celebrate UM’s 75th anniversary. The following month, on November 2, Donna E. Shalala was inaugurated as the University’s fifth president, with all the pomp and pageantry befitting the occasion. And the celebrations continued on and past January 3, as the Hurricanes football team defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 37-14 in the Rose Bowl to win their fifth National Championship—their first in ten years. Here at Miami magazine, as we report on these exciting events, we note another new beginning. We welcome a new editor, Meredith Danton, whose reporting and writing already grace these pages. In particular, her feature story on hepatitis C details the important research at our School of Medicine into this baffling—and astonishingly prevalent—disease. Elsewhere at the University, at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, researchers are working to find solutions to the global problems resulting from overfishing. But just as impressive as UM’s research is its teaching. From our other stories you’ll discover the amazing extent to which our students are engaged in their subjects, from taking part in an interdisciplinary effort to restore a nearby historic neighborhood, to mastering new languages, to “making the learning connection” through UM’s unmatched technological prowess. I invite you to read along and see just how spectacular a year is at the University of Miami. —Elizabeth McKey, Editorial Director |
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WELCOME, PRESIDENT SHALALA
I particularly admire her view that the University should pursue excellence in all of its endeavors—both on and off the playing fields. I also agree with her that we alumni should share our pride in the University’s accomplishments with our friends and neighbors. We certainly have plenty to be proud about this year. I’ve had the good fortune to spend time with President Shalala. She brings experience, spirit, caring, and a personal warmth to all associated with UM. Robert S. Denholtz, B.B.A. ’71 ANOTHER HIT IN THE MAKING Thank you for the lovely article (“Marti Sharron Is Singing a Happy Tune,” Fall 2001) in Miami magazine. By the way, I have a song, “Aléjate,” on the hit CD by acclaimed new artist Josh Groban. Marti Sharron, B.S. ’72 NOTES WITH CLASS Thank you for the Class Notes section in Miami magazine—including the format you use. I’ve been a teacher for Palm Beach County Schools for 15 years. We alumni enjoy keeping up with our peers, and even my high school students love to see what becomes of University of Miami graduates. Patty Kirsch, B.S.Ed. ’79, M.S.Ed. ’80 THEY ARE ALL OUR CHILDREN In “Making Strides” (Fall 2001), Holly Strawbridge writes about the exciting advances under way at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Among these are UM scientists’ ability to “prove conclusively that most people who are paralyzed can have their own children.” Surely what Ms. Strawbridge meant to say is that people who are paralyzed can have biological children, which of course, is a wonderful thing. To imply that biological children are one’s “own,” while adopted children are not is inappropriate and antiquated thinking. My adopted child is my own son, and I am confident that if he could speak he would say that I am his own mother. Name Withheld Editor’s Note: We agree with the reader’s clarification and regret any misunderstanding due to the wording of the sentence.
I received copies of Miami magazine this week. Thank you for taking interest in what my search and rescue dog, Thea, and I do (“Elena Lopez de Mesa Shows Dogged Determination,” Fall 2001) and for sharing it with all UM grads. By the way, our most recent deployment was at the site of the World Trade Center in New York, New York, following the tragedy on September 11. If you and our alumni would like to see the dogs in action, you can look at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Web site at www.fema.gov/usr/usr_d1391c6.htm. We are very lucky to have had the privilege to help in a small way at ground zero. Elena Lopez de Mesa, B.B.A. ’95
I was a student at UM from 1945 to 1948 and attended classes in the Cardboard College on Santander Avenue. The timeline in the last issue of Miami magazine (“Bold Beginnings, Bright Tomorrows,” Fall 2001) and the pictures from the University’s 1940s era bought to mind several snapshots I took of the Honors Convocation in the old Orange Bowl, where Winston Churchill received an honorary doctorate. I had my Voightlander reflex camera under an academic robe and was able to photograph Bowman Foster Ashe, Winston Churchill, and many of the distinguished University faculty at the event. Would the University be interested in having these photos? Elliott B. Wollman, B.Ed. ’47, M.A. ’48 Editor’s Note: The University does appreciate contributions of photos and other significant memorabilia. Please contact us at Miami magazine for details on submitting these items. |
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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, |
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ost of us celebrate the New Year at the stroke of midnight on December
31. We bid the old year farewell, either wistfully or gladly, and look
with optimism to the next 12 months.
T
’CANE
AND CANINE LEND A HAND TO NYC
UNDERCOVER
PHOTOGRAPHER