|
|
|
Pondering Some Age-Old Questions What a drag it is getting old. Remember the irreverent line from the Rolling Stones song? Chances are, you do. Our records show some 53 percent of you are from the baby boom generation, the period between 1946 and 1964 when nearly 76 million people were born in the United States. If you weren't among the many boomers who bought the Stones' record, you were probably subjected to it. Boomers, today some 29 percent of the U.S. population, have had a huge impact on contemporary life, from buying habits to education, architecture, employment trends, and health care. In this issue we asked University experts what lies ahead as this sizable segment of the population looks beyond middle age and toward retirement. As you'll read, old age for the boomer generation will not necessarily be the "drag" Mick Jagger sneered about in song, but it does pose some serious questions about our health and well-being in the coming decades. Perhaps answering some of those questions will be the University of Miami Brain Endowment Bank, which we also cover. One of only three major brain banks in the nation, the University of Miami's bank is conducting research that could one day lead to a cure for diseases and disorders afflicting people of all ages, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia. You might say that's quite a good return on the donors' "investments." For the University, many things improve with age, namely its relationship with the Cuban community. We have retraced that special friendship, which emerged with the creation of the University in 1926 as a "Pan-American university" and flourishes today with the leadership and support from Cuban-Americans. Also in this issue, we profile alumnus and defense attorney Roy Black, whose high-profile cases and network television commentary have made him one of the country's most well-known lawyers. From his early days as an assistant public defender to the present, his formula for success has remained the same: exhaustive preparation and brilliant courtroom strategy. We hope you enjoy these stories. Do write us and let us know what you think about the magazine. Elizabeth McKey |
 |
An Open Letter to Bill Butler Editor's Note: The following letter was sent to us in response to last issue's feature on retired Vice President for Student Affairs Bill Butler ("Lasting Impressions," Summer 1997). While we will miss your smile, we will never forget your presence. You made such a difference to so many of us and, in doing so, enriched the lives of others. You might not be able to remember us because we have grown so much since when you knew us, but we will always remember you.
Many will tell you how much they miss you. I want to say how fortunate I have been to have known you. I don't know what you have planned for retirement, but whatever it is, don't ever stop teaching-even if it's your grandchild. The lessons you have passed to us are needed in this world, and I haven't met many better than you at getting your point across. We might not agree with each other, but if we have respect for each other, we'll find a way. William S. Rumage, B.B.A. '82
Bill Butler Is a Friend and a Leader Thank you for the article on Dr. Bill Butler and his 32-year career at the University ("Lasting Impressions," Summer 1997). My son Adam had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Butler during his two years as president of student government at the University (1993-95). Adam, along with so many other students, benefited through the tender guidance of Bill Butler. College years can be tumultuous ones, but through the watchful eye of such a caring vice president for student affairs, these changes flow more easily. Rosalyn August
It's a Good Read Almost always, a university's alumni publication is the embodiment of its prestige, quality, and style. Congratulations on Miami magazine's fine representation of our alma mater. Your publication is the linchpin that keeps alumni informed of school news. Please know that your fine effort is noticed and appreciated.
No Smoking, Please I was surprised when I read the highly laudatory article about Marvin Shanken's success in promoting cigar smoking ("Not Just a Cigar," Summer 1997) in Miami magazine. Tobacco is a leading cause of death and disease in the United States. We have spent our professional lifetimes trying to reduce smoking and have recently come very close to having nicotine declared an addictive drug and regulated by the FDA. Only recently has the State of Florida achieved an $11 billion settlement to help pay for the care of indigent persons whose health has been profoundly damaged by smoking. Not only is continued cigarette smoking a major issue, but the rise in popularity of cigar smoking is most alarming. We are dismayed that cigar smoking is actually being glamorized. We should not endorse smoking of any kind. R. Rodney Howell, M.D.
I am amazed that the six-page article about cigars in your last issue made no mention of the health hazards of cigar smoking. You are doing the alumni and friends of the University of Miami no favor by making cigar smoking so attractive. An article concerning the newest surgical and radiation therapies for cancer of the mouth and throat would be appropriate. Harold D. Batt, M.D.
Since October 1973, when I lost my voice to throat cancer, which had resulted from my smoking tobacco, my attitude toward tobacco makers changed to serious intolerance. Accordingly, I must protest, with vigor, your printing the article on cigars in the Summer 1997 issue. We all know that publishing tends to normalize the use of cigars and smoking tobacco in general, and praising it is wrong health-wise. Bill Moss, Ph.D. '73 |
|
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 Home | Miami magazine Archive | Alumni Home | UM Home |
You taught us that people can disagree
and yet still find a way to live together. I will never forget the day when
a proposed increase in student fees and tuition was being hotly debated
and tempers were flaring on both sides. Standing at the middle table, which
resembled some sort of demilitarized zone or "no man's land" between
the hard-line administrators and the very vocal student representatives,
you smiled and said that at least nobody could say both sides weren't passionate
enough about their positions. We all broke out in laughter and found a way
to implement the increase over time. When each side respected the other,
a solution was found.
Rick Phillips, B.A. '78