Now is an ideal time for Columns to revisit a topic which I feel was mishandled some time ago, the "Greek" system [see "Honor House or Animal House," June 1993]. ... Dorm residency is on the decline, but what are the reasons? Fraternities are reorganizing under a paid representative, but what are the reasons? How effective is the ÃÛ¶¹ÊÓƵ in relating to the undergraduates and the Greeks?
If researched, I believe you will find that 99 percent of major colleges have a salaried "Greek coordinator" reporting to the dean of students. The UW has no salaried person responsible for the Greek system and, in fact, draws a distinct border "battle-line" at NE 45th Street.
... Your excellent article on the new University president, Richard McCormick, The Road to Seattle, is a prime reason to launch an article which looks at the undergraduate paradigm. At the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he was directly involved in the development of a salaried Greek coordinator position, bridging the gap between the university and their Greek system.
Les Dunlap, '79
Kent
Editor's Note: The UW has a salaried liaison to both fraternities and sororities--which are autonomous, non-profit organizations located outside of UW property. The liaison is Ricardo Galindez, '85, '88, special assistant for Greek relations under Vice President for Student Affairs Ernest Morris.
He may think he can "make it humorous," but, exempting the Kato example, he's about as humorous as the Oklahoma City blast. He could learn a lot from Orange County Register cartoonist Mike Shelton, but undoubtedly would not, since he demonstrates the ultra-liberal-left-wing, closed-minded, head-in-the-sand approach to the real world (not the world of the Atlanta Constitution, incidentally).
I consider myself very fortunate to have attended school before it became The People's Republic of Washington, dominated by a socialistic academia. Unless and until the UW gets back on track and hears what the people of this country are saying--loud and clear--you can count me out as a supporter.
Martin Sorber, '48
Newport Beach, Calif.
Robert Montgomery, '78
Sterling, Ill.
The accounts by graduates relative to the influence that certain professors had on their careers was very interesting, 25 Years of Top Teaching. That brought into focus my own experiences.
One UW professor, Linden Mander, made a great impression on my career, but in a different way. I was in a class of pre-law students dealing with common law. Because my name was Blackstone, I was called on to recite every day by Professor Mander. It was about this time that I decided law was not for me, even though my father was an attorney. I changed to geology and have had a very successful career in that field.
Professor Emeritus D.L. Blackstone Jr. '31
University of Wyoming
Laramie,
Wyo.
Editor's Note: Professor Blackstone recently received the highest honor given by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Parker Memorial Medal. He is the author of The Traveler's Guide to the Geology of Wyoming.
Correction
The name of the architectural firm that designed the new
UW Chemistry Building was incorrect in the September issue of Columns.
The firm's name is Moore Ruble Yudell.
Send a letter to the editor at griffin@u.washington.edu.
Return to December 1995 Table of Contents.