LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

A Time for Healing

s this issue of Miami magazine was in the final stages of production, the tragic events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, unfolded. Along with the rest of the world, we at the University of Miami were stunned and profoundly saddened by the terrorists’ attacks upon New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, and those aboard the hijacked airliners. The images—the majestic World Trade Center towers tumbling, the gaping hole in the Pentagon, and the crash site in the Pennsylvania countryside—will remain in our memories forever.

Like millions of Americans, we witnessed these scenes, mindful of the thousands of victims and their families, some of whom might be our own family members or friends. But, as a university community, we also thought of our alumni, students, parents, faculty, and friends in those devastated areas.

From prayer vigils, to group discussions, to blood drives, and other related efforts, the entire University of Miami reached out in support of those touched by these tragedies. In particular, the Office of Alumni Relations gathered information about alumni and friends near the disaster areas. The response thus far has been tremendous, and thankfully, many individuals have been confirmed safe. For details, you may visit the Alumni Association’s Web site at www.miami.edu/alumni/. Please let us know of any pertinent news you may have by calling the Alumni Relations Office at 305-284-2872 or by sending an e-mail message to alumni@miami.edu.

On behalf of the entire University, we at Miami magazine extend our support and best wishes to everyone, especially the members of our University family, affected by these tragedies.

—Elizabeth McKey Editor

LETTERS FROM OUR READERS

A PRESIDENT’S LEGACY

As an alumna of the Class of 1953, I read “Foote Notes” (Spring 2001) with a feeling of bittersweet nostalgia. I kept thinking, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” President Foote arrived in Coral Gables after my husband, Ralph H. Greenwasser (B.S. ’54) and I left the University of Miami campus. We have, however, maintained a close connection with the University through the Citizens’ Board and as consummate football and baseball enthusiasts. We’ve had the pleasure of being at the President’s residence where Mr. Foote and his lovely wife, Bosey, hosted with wonderful aplomb. What Mr. Foote has accomplished during his presidency is beyond belief. Particularly impressive has been his ever passionate enthusiasm tempered by a salient overview of the needs of a growing and developing university.

Jane Hines Greenwasser, B.Ed. ’53
Sewall’s Point, Florida
 

SOLID SUBJECT MATTER

I really enjoyed the article about Little Salt Spring sinkhole (“Matter of Time,” Spring 2001). Those wooden artifacts are truly fascinating. As a sculptor in wood, I’m always interested in seeing how long man’s earliest efforts in working with wood will survive. This is the earliest I have read about. As a former resident of Florida and a University of Miami graduate, I’m really happy to hear of Professor Gifford’s work.

Frank E. LaRosa, A.B. ’61, M.A. ’63
Del Mar, California
 

A STORY WORTH HEARING

The Spring 2001 Miami magazine is the best ever! Reading each copy over the years, from cover to cover, is always a great experience. Holly Strawbridge’s story, “Breaking the Silence,” about the work at the University of Miami Ear Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, has given me thrills and much hope. My husband, Curt (who attended the University for one year), has as much as a 90 percent hearing loss in both ears. He was born deaf in March 1919, as a result of his mother contracting the flu during the worldwide influenza epidemic of 1918 to 1919. He was 22 years old when he was outfitted with a hearing aid at the New York League for the Hard of Hearing. For 20 years he wore a hearing aid in the right ear only. Since then he has worn hearing aids in both ears. In a recent marine emergency, it took me nearly ten minutes to waken him and help him realize the situation.

I also thought the online newsletter E-Alumni Connections sounds so interesting, and I have logged on.

Winifred M. Oertel Kammer, M.Ed. ’49
Fort Myers, Florida
 

CLASS REACTION

I took the issue of Miami magazine containing the profile article about me (“Silence is Golden for Judi Garratt,” Spring 2001) to school today, and my elementary students were so excited. The older ones read the article, had quite a few intelligent questions, and wanted to know how they can go to the University of Miami. Thank you again for the article.

Judi Garratt, M.A. ’74
Burbank, California
 

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE

Thank you for the wonderful article (“Darrell Grant Keeps the Music Alive,” Spring 2001) in the alumni magazine. It was well-written and interesting (and accurate, which is rare). I appreciate it.

Darrell Grant, M.M. ’86
Portland, Oregon

LOST SHEEPSKIN

Soon after finishing all my courses at the University of Miami, but before collecting my M.B.A. diploma in 1981, I was working in Brazil building a small export business. I neglected to take my diploma, and now that I have settled down in the Tampa, Florida, area, I would like to have it. Is there any way to acquire a duplicate of my diploma?

I enjoy reading Miami magazine. Keep up the good work!

Jack R. West, M.B.A. ’81
Lutz, Florida

Editor’s Note: All University of Miami alumni, with the exception of law graduates, who wish to obtain replacement diplomas can do so by visiting the Office of the Registrar’s Web site at www.miami.edu/registrar. Select the “Graduation” option, scroll down to “Duplicate Diploma,” and click on the link. Alumni can then download and print out a “Diploma Re-Issue Application,” which they may fill out and mail to the Registrar’s Office. Alumni who do not have access to the Internet may send their requests in writing to University of Miami, Office of the Registrar, Post Office Box 248026, Coral Gables, Florida 33124-6914. School of Law alumni may send their written requests to the University of Miami, School of Law, Office of the Law Registrar, Post Office Box 248087, Coral Gables, Florida 33124-0221.

Letters: We welcome your letters. All letters must be signed (your name will not be printed if you so request in writing) and may be edited for clarity and space. Address letters to:

Elizabeth McKey,
Miami magazine,
P.O. Box 248105, Coral Gables, Florida 33124
E-mail: alumni.miamiletters@miami.edu