Letters

SPLENDID ACTION
I was pleased to see the article on the 80th anniversary of Kirby Hall [Fall 2010]. When I attended my 50th reunion in 1992, I read the dedicatory plaque and exterior inscriptions, which reflected the civil rights outlook that prevailed in the 1920s. The dramatic transformation of civil rights in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s included an array of court decisions, legislative enactments, and legal frameworks to foster racial equality, gender equity, educational opportunities, employment practices, and public accommodations, among others.

The new plaque provides historical context to bring the concept of civil rights into today’s world. The closing words astutely make this point: “a dynamic field now more inclusive of constitutional freedoms and compatible with commitment to equality and freedom for all.” My compliments to all who fostered this splendid action.

— David S. Arnold ’42
Falls Church, Va.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The fall issue was lovely as always. However, I find it disheartening that in focusing on “millennials,” no mention is made of alumni actively serving in the military, including Jeffrey Werrell ’02 and Barret Diefenderfer ’02, who are with the United States Marine Corps. There are most certainly others. Wouldn’t you agree that serving in the military “makes a difference”?

— Sandra J. Diefender P’02
Great Falls, Va.

SPOTLIGHT GRADS IN EDUCATION
I enjoy the magazine, but I have frequently felt frustrated with the same profiles of alumni and students in every issue. The letter from John H. Vanderbilt ’51 [“The Real Heroes,” Fall 2010] inspired me to write.

I am not a CEO or engineer and I do not have a Ph.D. I received my M.Ed. at Temple and now I teach first grade in a South Philly charter school. Not many Lafayette students become city teachers, and the neighborhood in which I teach is a stark contrast to College Hill. Nevertheless, I love it. I have extremely high expectations for my students, and they rise to the challenge. I measure my success by the excitement for learning that I’ve instilled in them and seeing their progress in their academics.

I hope Lafayette will recognize and profile the achievements of graduates in the educational fields. I display a large Lafayette pennant in my classroom and tell my students every day that they are going to college. Who knows? Perhaps some will attend Lafayette.

— Lisa Klenn ’06
Philadelphia, Pa.

We welcome your letters.

Email lafayettemagazine@lafayette.edu

Lafayette Magazine
Communications Division
Lafayette College
Feather House
Easton, PA 18042

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.