Meliora Weekend draws 7,000 visitors

Robert Bartlett, dean of College advancement, oversaw planning and management of the fall celebration and says the "fantastic turnout," which rivals numbers for the Sesquicentennial celebration, validates Meliora Weekend as an ongoing tradition.

"Many people who attended the Sequi events last year returned this year carrying over an enthusiasm for this new College tradition. Our goal is to build on this model and continue by providing dynamic, eclectic, and exciting programming every year for students, alumni, family, and friends."

With Thursday night's student performances during Rochester Revue setting the stage, events kicked off Friday morning with a timely address from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta.

During his address titled "The Cost of Freedom," Mineta shared personal memories of being held in Japanese-American internment camps following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

"One of the greatest dangers we face is that in looking for the enemy, we may strike against our own friends and neighbors," he said.

Mineta also addressed the effects heightened security may have on transportation systems. He encouraged U.S. citizens to be calm and patient. "We all have to be patient. Patience is really the new form of patriotism."

Friday's events also included solemn moments of remembrance with a dedication of the Vietnam War Memorial to honor Rochester alumni and faculty who died in the war; a memorial to Eric Coker '90 and Katharine Hollister '90 who died in the bombing of PanAm Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland; and a Ceremony of Hope and Remembrance at which classmates, friends, and family honored those members of the University community who died in the September 11 tragedy.

Former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley, the keynote speaker, echoed the weekend's freedom refrain, saying Americans must re-affirm their dedication to community, pluralism, and freedom to win the ongoing war against terrorism.

He also urged people to refocus their attention on their families and communities. "The smallest things in life with meaning are more important than the largest things without meaning," Bradley said.

The weekend featured performances by Bill Cosby, the Gap Mangione Big Band, Second City Comedy, the Skycoasters, and many others, providing nonstop entertainment for visitors.

Sunday's Stonehurst Capital Invitational Regatta punctuated the celebration with an all-day event in Genesee Valley Park, featuring 30 crew teams from the United States and Canada competing for top spot.

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