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The Classics--Always in StyleYour recent story on classical education at Rochester was a moving tribute to an excellent group of educators. As a graduate of the philosophy program at Rochester (Ph.D. '96), I was also very involved with the religion and classics department.Al Geier was a singular inspiration to my life as an educator and person. He spent time with his students inside and outside the classroom. I have never taught a class that did not include a quote from one of his classes. The two years I spent working with him through the Republic shaped my world view. The notebooks from that time are some of my most valuable possessions. You should have also noted the great contribution to classical studies of the philosophy department's Deborah Modrak. She makes Aristotle and Plato breathe. Her concern for her students is only matched by her phenomenal scholarship. She made a reality for me of the notion of the teaching scholar. With models like this, I have never regretted choosing Rochester. Partly due to their inspiration, I founded a thriving classics and great books program at Biola University. As of this year it enrolls 260 gifted college undergraduates. The Torrey Honors Institute attempts to carry on the mandate for the compassionate, progressive, liberal arts education I received at Rochester. These mentors taught me that the life of the mind is central to having a whole soul.
John Mark Reynolds '96 (PhD)
The Iliad--Live on StageI greatly enjoyed reading your Fall 1999 cover story about the role and enduring popularity of the classics.Rochester Review readers might like to know that in the Spring 2000 semester the classics will truly come alive on campus when the University's International Theatre Program presents the world premiere of The Iliad--a theatrical version of Homer's great work adapted and directed by the University's International Theatre Program Associate Director, Nigel Maister. The adaptation, based on the award-winning translation by Robert Fagles, is, to our knowledge, the first time anyone has attempted to stage a theatrical version of The Iliad in its entirety. The production, which opens in Todd Theater on River Campus on April 13, will be coordinated with a series of campus event tie-ins, including lectures, new student-developed one-act plays, workshops, and social events. Those interested in more information may call the International Theatre Program at (716) 275-4088.
Nigel Maister
Fatuous Annual Pronouncements?I wonder if it isn't about time the University gave up proudly referring to those tiresome and fatuous pronouncements by U.S. News & World Report that it now ranks 19th in this and 42nd in that, or whatever--improved from last year!I see other publications are starting to do something similar; it must sell a lot of magazines. So while the industry will no doubt keep on doing it as long as it finds it worthwhile, is it really an exercise that serious institutions such as Rochester should take part in?
Thomas V. Miller '53E, '54E (MM)
Incidentally, for what it's worth, in its fall listings this year, U.S. News ranked Rochester as 32nd among top national universities--about where it has been for the last several years--Editor.
Poem to the EditorIn honor of the SesquicentennialGreat Little River
Fair Genesee, accept our thanks
You've carried countless sons and daughters,
By launching them toward destiny,
Ed Russell '55
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