A ‘Courageous and Accomplished Alumnus’

Congratulations to Rochester Review on publishing Karen McCally’s wonderfully informative piece on Albion Tourgée, Class of 1862 (“A Union ‘Better Than It Was,’” Summer 2019).

One of the tragic failings of American literature, it has always seemed to me, was the failure of our major white writers during the years following the Civil War to help the nation fully imagine a biracial (and eventually multiracial) democracy.

Tourgée is one of the very rare exceptions, and the fact that he has now virtually disappeared in our literary histories as a significant writer is symptomatic of how some of the bravest voices of Reconstruction and the final decades of the 19th century got silenced by the same forces that produced Jim Crow, the Ku Klux Klan, and the “Lost Cause.”

Tourgée—in his fiction, his journalism, his legal writings, and his educational work—was one of the few who articulated the promise of a biracial America during those first fragile decades after emancipation.

McCally’s article powerfully demonstrates exactly why the University of Rochester should be especially proud of this most courageous and accomplished alum.

Ed Folsom ’76 (PhD)

Iowa City, Iowa

The writer is the Roy J. Carver Professor of English at the University of Iowa and editor of the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review.

Ever Better Evolutionary Science

As a longtime reader of Rochester Review, I have always found Review to be the best of the publications of its type. I have had the opportunity over the years to read similar publications from other universities with significant name recognition, but Review has always been superior. Rochester Review is better because instead of saying “look at this great (discovery, event, program) we have,” the articles actually explain these items.

I am writing because of the especially outstanding article in the Summer 2019 edition about “Evolution’s New Era.” I was not aware of this work, but after reading the article I was both fascinated and informed. My compliments to the author, Ms. Lindsey Valich.

I look forward to more great articles in the future.

Seth Rosenbaum ’69

Eagan, Minnesota

As one of five graduates in 1991 of the ecology and evolutionary biology program, I was impressed to see the article highlighting three of my former professors (“Evolution’s New Era,” Summer 2019). It was so interesting to see what they are up to these days and how the field is evolving.

Although my career took some turns outside of biology, I still find evolution fascinating. It was great to see the familiar faces and hope they know that they made an impression on their students.

All the best to Professors Werren, Jaenike, and Eickbush.

Amy Sheldon Halliday ’91

Mississauga, Ontario

Lawrence: ‘True Rochester Heroine’

Thank you for the great article on Dr. Ruth Lawrence ’49M (MD) detailing her wonderful history of achievement and caring (“A Lifetime as a Leader,” Summer 2019).

Our personal experience with Dr. Lawrence dates back 50 years ago, to June 1969 when our firstborn son, Michael, arrived six weeks premature at 3 pounds, 13 ounces at Highland Hospital. Under Dr. Lawrence’s expert knowledge, passionate care, and guidance to a pair of “rookie” parents, the several weeks in Strong’s neonatal ICU were successful.

Michael was able to come home at a healthy 5 pounds in late July, and in our arms, watch the moon landing.

My wife, Nancy, and I—and I am sure many others—have been fortunate to have Dr. Lawrence as our guiding star in those trying moments.

She is a true Rochester heroine.

Edgar Sewell ’73S (MBA)

Trumbull, Connecticut

The Second-Best Genny Light Dancers Are . . .

It was fun to read Brian Bennett’s reminiscence (1979 Class Notes, Summer 2019). In particular, his reference to Genny Light Disco Night brought back fond memories. My partner, Holly Duck ’80, ’85M (MD), and I danced hard, but we were runners-up to the clear winners, Brian and Debbie. I still have my trophy, too. Photo attached.

P.S. Regrets that I was not be able to attend the reunion.

Greg White ’79

San Carlos, California

The writer is vice president for academic affairs at the Notre Dame de Namur University.

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Review welcomes letters and will print them as space permits. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. Unsigned letters cannot be used. Send letters to Rochester Review, 22 Wallis Hall, Box 270044, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627-0044; rochrev@rochester.edu.