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“Just stick to your job of attracting and educating
the best-qualified candidates, and the ‘diversity’ will take care
of itself.” —John
Frank ’51
LettersDebating Diversity There is no doubt in my mind that the Supreme Court’s decision in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke was made correctly. If my grandson, like Bakke, failed to be accepted by the University because a less-qualified “diverse applicant” was accepted instead, I should feel that the University had failed in its primary role of scholarship. What Bakke teaches is that while education is not a fundamental right, applicants for admission have a fundamental right to an unbiased selection system. When I went to the University, I don’t think “diversity” was the policy, and yet I tend to think I have been able to fit in with most everybody I have met. I picked that up from my parents, a decent education, a little religion, and common sense—not from someone second-guessing what kind of diversity it takes to fashion a global person. Just stick to your job of attracting and educating the best-qualified candidates, and the “diversity” will take care of itself. “Best qualified” is difficult enough to classify without adding the nebulous factor of “diverse” to the formula. John Frank ’51 In late June, the Supreme Court ruled that universities may make “narrowly tailored” use of race in admissions decisions. Rochester and 37 other private universities had urged the court to uphold affirmative action when two University of Michigan cases were argued before the court last spring—Editor. Praise for New Major I relished the interdisciplinary program with courses in literature, history, psychology, social science, economics, and political science. I was awarded a bachelor of arts degree in African area studies in June 1967. It was with great pleasure that I read your article “College Launches African-American Studies Major” (Spring– Summer 2003) about the new major being administered by the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies. The interdisciplinary approach that I was offered at New Paltz has been invaluable to me throughout my life, and I am thrilled that the University has such a program available now. Betty Leahy Smalley More for Math I am not sure I would be doing anything differently today than my current practice of law had I chosen math. However, I believe I did not have the full experience your students receive in the program the article describes. They seem to feel a true connection to the subject matter. I am happy Rochester is making efforts in this regard. I wish all the best to the students who endeavor in this important field. Corrina Ulrich’87 Calling Drama Alumni We’re building a list of alumni who managed to find time to make theater part of their Rochester experience so we can keep you informed of news and upcoming events. And, during Meliora Weekend, current Drama House students will host a reception for past and present drama enthusiasts on Friday, October 10, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Drama House. For more information, contact Sara Cohen at sc003k@mail.rochester.edu or Adam Konowe ’90 at konowe@erols.com. Sarah Cohen ’05 Sounding the Horn Arguably, Joshua and his horn possibly did have an effect on that Biblical wall, but, in all humility, I do not think that the stentorian sounds that I and the two other trumpet players produced that afternoon in 1954 had any effect on the collapse of the Eastman Theatre ceiling. The incident had a very “time stood still” feeling about it. We heard this very loud crack, almost like thunder, and then, to the left of the chandelier, the plaster seemed to float down, almost in slow motion, followed by the instantaneous destruction of the seats. To this day, the trumpet continues to be an integral part of my life, although I probably do not play quite as badly as I did on the Eastman Theatre stage that afternoon. Steve Toback ’58E Remembering a Classmate Kathy became a dedicated pediatric nurse who settled at the Children’s Hospital in San Diego. In 1998, at the age of 30, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Doctors gave her less than one year to live. With inimitable grace and unending strength, she willed herself to continue embracing life. During her five-year battle, Kathy was twice recognized as one of Children’s Hospital’s top five employees—the only nurse to be so honored. She married the love of her life, Tor Gronborg, in September 2000. In 2001, she received San Diego’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, presented to the city’s best and brightest young leaders. A fund has been established at Children’s Hospital in San Diego to honor Kathy’s devotion to children and to support pediatric nursing care. Contributions can be sent to Children’s Hospital and Health Center, Donor Services, Mail Code 5005, 3020 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123. Please indicate that your donation is for the Kathleen Michaels Gronborg Fund. Also please visit our album of pictures and stories celebrating Kathy’s
life at the University and beyond on the Web at www.geocities.com/memoriesofkathy. Fern Daum Kumar ’89N Correction
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