In Review

Rochester Quotes

“The message has moved from community empowerment to individual prosperity. The thinking is that if individuals rise, so will the rest of the community. That is a complete reversal from the mission of the black church during slavery, Reconstruction, and civil rights.”

—Fredrick Harris, associate professor of political science, in the Dallas Morning News, discussing how new approaches to the ministry among Southern black churches have influenced black theology and political participation.

Los Angeles Times

“Suicide notes often show that the people do have things to live for but also reasons to die. Suicide is a very ambivalent act.”
—Eric Caine, professor of psychiatry, commenting on a new book by a retired detective who collected suicide notes during a 35-year career with the San Diego police department.

San Jose Mercury News

“If the goal was to get money out of the system, it’s been a failure.”
—David Primo, assistant professor of political science, talking about the expectation that the 2004 presidential campaigns will set records for spending despite changes in campaign finance laws.

The Associated Press

“I am constantly both optimistic and frustrated. We are making progress, but not quickly enough. It’s never quick enough because it’s children’s lives we’re talking about.”
—David Pearce, associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics, discussing his work to understand Batten disease, a rare, terminal neurological disorder that strikes young children.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“A reward system cannot suggest that you are being paid for the learning, or that this is all the learning is about.”
—Richard Ryan, professor of clinical and social sciences in psychology, commenting on an initiative in Kansas City, Missouri, schools to give a $150 gift card to students who maintain a C average.

National Post

“He represents a certain idealism, a code. Many of the stories talk about Arthur’s code and the knights of the Round Table. They are more than warriors. They fight for right.”
—Alan Lupak, curator of the Rossell Hope Robbins Library, discussing the cultural legacy of the legendary king.