class | notes Thank you, Marquette, for recognizing what is critical for us to learn, know and reflect upon. MARYJO STURM BARTSCH, BUS AD ’78
To fulfill a liberal arts requirement I trudged to an 8 a.m. philosophy class that I viewed as “more BS for the B.S.” As a pre-med major, my initial thoughts were only on how to get an “A” and get out with as little effort as possible. However, open discourses on Aristotle’s definition of virtue, Kierkegaard’s leap of faith, Socrates’ death for honor and St. Thomas Aquinas’ natural law created a class that truly was a moveable feast. I never fully appreciated how instrumental Marquette was in creating a thought process to solve problems through asking questions, researching etymologies and viewing how things fit. Interestingly, Father Stohrer’s comment on the “delicate beauty and enchantment” of Marquette reminded me of Plato’s Republic and its allegories. As a frequent visitor to the Avalanche Bar and the Greentree Tavern, I seldom appreciated gentle forms from my perspective in the cave. A sincere debt of gratitude and appreciation I wish to extend upon the professors and my mentors at Marquette. JOHN “JACK” MANZELLA, D.O., GRAD ’86
“The business of critical reflection and truth discovery (is) their life assignment,” wrote Father Stohrer in your winter issue, speaking of his philosophy students. Oh, how I loved reading that. In 1959, if I remember correctly, the school motto
was “the pursuit of truth,” a profoundly simple statement in keeping with Father Stohrer’s quote. But someone associated with the school suggested that as Catholics, we already had the truth and that a new motto should be adopted: “the pursuit of excellence.” The change was adopted seemingly without dissent. I thought it was a mistake then, and I still do, but perhaps it can be forgiven since it was before the enlightenment of Vatican II. If “the pursuit of excellence” still remains, I suggest we make a change and let Father Stohrer make the new proclamation. Excellence applies to all of life’s endeavors, from fishing to surgery. Seeking truth is the work of the mind.
agree. As a very active Marquette alumna for many years, it deeply saddens me that my university takes only a secularist approach to the topic. GWEN SOVERN COLFER, SP ’58 EDITOR’S NOTE: The
article in the spring issue covered new policies the university instituted to address sexual violence and to assure that student safety remains a priority. In accordance with Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit identity, Campus Ministry and other offices involved with student life provide spiritual direction and guide students in understanding the importance of intimacy, the sanctity of marriage and respect for the dignity of all persons.
DONALD M. HALL, BUS AD ’59
Addressing sexual violence That sexual violence on campus is now being addressed proactively by the university is highly commendable. However, nowhere in the article on page 8 of the winter 2012 issue, “Marquette addresses sexual violence,” is there mention of God’s plan for sex. For a Catholic university to fail to address the issue from a biblical standpoint is quite appalling. I have dedicated the past 19 years to joining others at the national level to create curriculum to enable the teaching of these concepts to youth, including college students. Students react with overwhelming approval to the idea that sex belongs in marriage and not outside it. Even unchurched persons
I want to congratulate Marquette for responding to the recent sexual assaults on campus. Too often, universities have not been proactive on this issue, which plagues so many college women. I am pleased to see the university’s dedication to devising policy, raising awareness and offering educational programs. I was particularly impressed by the full-time victim advocate who was added to the staff and the role of former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske. I hope Marquette’s dedication will follow in the footsteps of other programs, such as the one at West Virginia University, to work for the interests of the victims and survivors of sexual assault. I look forward to reading updates on the university’s progress on this issue.
PEERS long-awaited To the staff of Marquette Magazine and all involved in the PEERS site, what a privilege to read and learn of the life-saving efforts of all the professionals involved with this group. Autism, I believe, was far more prevalent when I was schooling (1945– 61) than ever was believed. Many of us could be enjoying fuller and more productive lives and could have suffered far less pain and fruitless hours of the impairment if we had been diagnosed correctly and treated with such a method as PEERS employs. Keep up your wonderful work. I love your magazine. GEORGIA DOMINKI MCQUADE, JOUR ’61
Letter from India Thank you for sending Marquette Magazine regularly — an excellent means to be in touch with the happenings at my alma mater. BASTIN J. PARANGIMALIL, PH.D., GRAD ’84, KERALA, INDIA
We welcome your feedback on the contents of Marquette Magazine. All letters must include the sender’s first and last names and may be edited. Comments must be respectful and in good taste. Write us at: Editor, Marquette Magazine P.O. Box 1881 Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881 Email us at: mumagazine@marquette.edu
DR. AMY C. BRANAM, GRAD ’05
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