LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Editor's Essay
Struck Home
I receive and read West Virginia University Alumni Magazine
with much excitement, and I look forward to the editor's column.
The Fall 2001 column, "Some Bright Morning," was no
exception. "As for me, I will follow my father's example:
Cherish life. Love your neighbor. Seek Justice. Work for peace."
Sound words! And very concisely presented. Words now fastened
to my recall, as they reflect my own father's views. Great article!
Frank Culver '79
Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Moved by Chris
Gray's Story
I am currently the interim president at Salem International University.
I am very much impressed with your magazine and I am writing
specifically to say how much I appreciated the Fall 2001 article
by Dan Shrensky about Chris Gray. Of course, I did not know this
young man, but I feel a certain sorrow that we lost a young man
of his potential in this terrible terrorist attack. I am certain
there are stories behind all who were killed.
Fred Zook, Ph.D.
Salem, West Virginia
Magazine Evokes
Fond Memories
After many years of moving around the country and being out of
touch with WVU news, I read each article of the Fall 2001 issue
with great interest. In the Woodburn Hall article, President
David Hardesty's memories of the 1960s really took me back to
learning about the history of Vietnam in Professor Bagby's class
and supporting Robert Kennedy's campaign in the spring of 1968.
I realized how small the world of WVU alumni is when I met an
alum on board a recent cruise to Mexico. We later visited and
found David Hardesty's photo as student body president in my
1967 yearbook. In April, I had the wonderful opportunity to come
back to campus after 33 years and marveled at all the changes,
but also cherished the wonderful old buildings that have been
so well preserved outside and modernized inside. Even my senior
year apartment on Baird Street looks better now than it did 33
years ago! I hope to meet more alums in Arizona, find old classmates,
and come back to campus again—before another 33 years! Keep
up your great job with the magazine!
Susan (Schroeder) Van Haren '68
Dewey, Arizona
Impressed
by Fall Issue
I recently received the Fall 2001 issue and, as usual, I was
impressed with the magazine. Having spent all of my four years
at WVU in Woodburn Hall, I especially enjoyed that article. Keep
up the good work. Thank you for an excellent magazine for alumni
of WVU.
Will Oliver '99 M.A., '00 Ph.D.
Radford, Virginia
Woodburn Hall
Has Many Stories
After reading the article on Woodburn Hall in the Fall 2001 issue,
I thought maybe I should call your attention to the piece I wrote
25 years ago in the West Virginia University Magazine:
"A Cornerstone 'Well and Truly Laid'" [Winter 1976,
pp. 2-7]. I even gave Woodburn Hall an "honorable"
mention in my latest book, Who Cut the Cheese? A Cultural
History of the Fart.
Jim Dawson '71
Hollywood, California
Rowing Team
Story Not Complete
I read the article in the Fall 2001 issue about the women's rowing
team's recent success. I would like to congratulate the team
and Coach LaRocque on such a victorious season. I know that Tina
Griffith was most excited about the season and going to the Henley.
What bothers me is this statement: "Women's rowing had been
a club sport at WVU for more than 20 years. Various coaches had
come and gone during those years, leaving a mixed legacy behind."
My daughter, Tiffany Basnett, Coach LaRocque's predecessor, not
only left her with that team but with the equipment to make a
difference. Prior to Tiff, the women's crew team at WVU had never
won a race. Tiffany's challenge was to take these ladies and
turn them into champions. You didn't mention that they went to
the Dad Vails Regatta in May 2000. Tiffany's commitment to the
team was her utmost priority.
Judy Basnett
Danville, California
Foliage More
Attractive Than Bats
Hard to please everyone! While the bat article [Fall 2001, pp.
22-27] was "kinda interesting," I found the cover seriously
lacking. Remarkable photograph, but less than attractive. I was
seriously disappointed that the fall issue was not adorned with
some beautiful West Virginia color. In fact, there was none to
be found. However, I still enjoy!
Vern Wilson Jr. '61 M.S.
Houston, Texas