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Show ATHLETIC ARGUMENTS It is amazing that you included Mr. (Ron) Holt’s letter on athletics (“Comment,” p. 2, Winter 1991), especially since it was the only negative letter, in the first issue of University Times. If athletics is so unproductive to society, why also include such great coverage about getting the Winter Olympics in Utah (“Tom Welch’s Olympic Race,” p. 6)? It seems to me that athletics are athletics. I have learned a great deal about the time, effort, responsibility and especially discipline it takes to handle both being an athlete and getting your studies done. There are some wonderful and intelligent students who are athletes at the same time. Some of these students have the privilege of being in the honors program also, if Mr. Holt (WSU honors program director) would care to check his class rolls, both past and present. Rosalie Dabb-Polson Athletics Secretary Ogden, Utah Class of °72 As a rebuttal to Mr. Holt, I invite him to compare both the GPAs and the graduation rates of our athletes versus those of the general student body. Ours is higher! It is a shame that in spite of dramatic efforts by the NCAA to shorten the hyphen between student-athletes, Mr. Holt continues to be the self-appointed wedge driver! When will he realize that no dichotomy exists between academics and athletics? We are involved in a joint effort to bring good people to our campus, to assist them in obtaining their education, to graduate them into a productive role in society and to bring some positive attention to Weber State along the way. Dan Walker Assistant Track Coach Ogden, Utah Class of 75 I believe it is the students not involved in athletics who are deprived of the true meaning of life’s education. What one learns on the field cannot be taught in a classroom. | was never taught in any academic section how to give of myself for my fellow man. Now I find that this is what life is really all about. ... I may not be able to exude this precious feeling of participation in a game situation to my children or students. But, I can faithfully work as intensely as possible to share with them the true meaning of succeeding in life that I learned from my fantastic experiences as a football player at Weber State University. Rick Bojak West Jordan, Utah Class of *73 have made only two minor (financial) contributions to the school. I will increase my contributions when Weber State gets the courage to drop out of the NCAA, end intercollegiate sports and put the money back into physical education, club sports and real academics. Until that happens, you can quit sending me requests for funds. In time, this savings of postage, literature and phone calls will mount. Total the lot and credit it as my contribution to your commercial entertainment fund. Ted Collins Sun City, Arizona Class of ’39 Many administrators have the misconception that football and basketball inspire major financial endowments to the rest of the institution and that elimination of athletic entertainment would seriously affect fund raising. Look around the campus. To believe that the generosity of Browning, Eccles, Dee, Mack, Wattis, Marriott, Lindquist, Hinckley, Stewart and many others is inspired by winning a Big Sky championship is ludicrous. Athletic directors often say that the income from major spectator sports finances the cost of the real amateur or minor sports. Very few institutions can produce evidence to prove this concept. James O. Douglas, D.D.S. Ogden, Utah UNIVERSITY EULOGY I was thrilled to receive the news that wonderful old WC is now a University. My congratulations to the administration and faculty of WSU for their “promotion.” I hope the transition from WC to WSU will not diminish the personal friendliness I experienced during my time there. L. Judson Farmer Jackson, Mississippi Class of 54 STORY CORRECTION You included an article written by my husband, Dr. Lawrence C. Evans, which was an excerpt from the “Centennial History of Weber State College” (“Reminiscence,” Winter 1991). The editor added a note giving Dr. Evans’ age as 83. Dr. Evans was 73 when he died. Some months ago in another publication, a fine article was written about Dr. Evans, but it stated he had died of cancer. Dr. Evans did not have cancer — a heart attack took his life. I telephoned this error to the editor’s attention at that time. For many years Larry was an advisor for student publications. I am sure if you remember him, or work with those who do, you will learn that he stressed accuracy first of all. Mrs. Lawrence Evans Bountiful, Utah NEW TIMES It is an honor to receive Volume 1 Number 1 of the University Times, the magazine of Weber State University, which bears the name of my great-great grandfather, Capt. John H. Weber. The variety and scope of the articles in the magazine, the quality of writing and the beauty of the illustrations make University Times a most impressive publication. Virginia Weber Gannon Glen Ellyn, Illinois I received the copy you sent of the new University Times. ’ll have to say my first impression was, “WOW!” And so was my last — after reading it cover to cover. What a “class” publication. I’m honored to have been included in this beautiful premiere issue (“Continuum,” p. 4, Winter 1991) and sincerely look forward to future editions. Janet Day Salt Lake City, Utah Class of ’68 QUALITY RESEARCH As the excitement about the “University” name change settles, (“Building a New U,” p. 14, Winter 1991) I have observed a new inner satisfaction among many of the faculty and students that has accompanied the name change. During the lobbying efforts to change the name, some expressed the belief that research was not an important part of our efforts and that Weber’s role was primarily teaching. Research plays a vital role in an academic institution. Faculty who are involved in research efforts exhibit a vitality and excitement. The excitement of one’s research spills over into the classroom and laboratories. Hands-on involvement through research allows close interaction between students and faculty. Research creates a stimulating learning environment and often ignites the desire to learn in students. I am continually impressed with the quality of research conducted at Weber State. It is the research efforts by students and faculty that will continue to build the stature of this great institution in the years to come. Edward B. Walker Chemistry Professor Ogden, Utah Class of 76 ALUMNI ADVOCATES You were very kind in recognizing the members of the Alumni Association’s various boards and councils. However, one of the more prominent and productive members of our organization was inadvertently omitted (“Table of Contents,” p. 1, Winter 1991). Edie George, our executive director, merits mention in this fine publication. ... You may also consider including our assistant director, Dick Davis, in your next publication as well. Edie George and Dick Davis do more for the WSU Alumni Association than anyone else on campus. Shaun Myers Alumni Association President Ogden, Utah Class of ’81 It is a curiosity to me that Edie George, who is the executive director of the University’s Alumni Association is not listed in the directory. ... Seems to me she definitely belongs there. Ginger Hauser College of Applied Science & Technology Ogden, Utah (Editor's Note: We agree. The omission was an oversight we’ ve corrected on page 1.) Letters should be sent to: Editor, University Times, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408-1010 or faxed to (801) 626-8875. Letters also may be submitted by telephone by calling (801) 626-7500. Letters must include writer’s name, address, daytime phone number and graduating class. Submissions may be edited for space and clarity. |