back & forth
Think more broadly I am writing to express extreme disappointment regarding the latest cover of Miamian (Spring/ Summer 2021 issue). I feel that the cover story captioned with the chosen phrase “Against All Odds” is insensitive. While I am not intending to minimize anyone’s suffering — certainly Malachi experienced a tragic childhood and hardships beyond my awareness or comprehension — the choice in language is upsetting. There are in fact a number of odds that favor a white, straight, able-bodied, cisgender male. I hope that future issues of Miamian will exemplify a broadened perspective and highlight underrepresented stories so we can grow in empathy together. —Kelsey Skvoretz ’14 Cambridge, Massachusetts Salute to NROTC I totally enjoyed the article on the Miami NROTC program (“75 Years of Service,” Spring/Summer 2021 Miamian). Upon my graduation in 1968, I was fortunate to accept a
civilian position with the U.S. Navy at an activity in Philadelphia that managed spare parts for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. To celebrate my 39-year civilian career (which included time working for Vice Adm. Keith Lippert, a fellow graduate mentioned in the article), I was presented with an American flag that was flown over 13 aircraft carriers. As the starting point for my long career was Miami University, I donated the flag to the Miami ROTC program in hopes that many others could enjoy this truly unique commemorative item. I had a wonderful civilian career with the U.S. Navy and am ever thankful for my Miami education that made it all possible. —Donna Gruber ’68 Langhorne, Pennsylvania I was relieved and ever so pleased to read that Harley Chapman ’56 survived his seven-year imprisonment in Vietnam. I remember many happy moments with Harley Uptown and on campus in 1955. God bless Harley and his loved ones. —Sheila Stenger Collins ’58 Solon, Ohio Toss out ‘truth detector’ I was disturbed by the quote on page 7 by Bob Woodward (Spring/ Summer 2021 Miamian). He is saying someone or some agency needs to filter ideas, debate, and opinions. He is saying we need a truth detector. We do not need a truth detector. We need debate and conversation, and we need people to listen to various ideas and make their own decisions. I for one do not want
ANYONE or a GOVERNMENT agency to think for me. We do not have to have the same ideas to live together as community. I can respect differences in opinions, but I cannot tolerate being told how to think, feel, or act. This is AMERICA. Our future leaders need to be versed in all ideas and opinions not just Bob Woodward’s or the government’s. —Valerie Bischoff Arn ’81 Fairfield, Ohio Forever cherished Thank you for your remembrance of the four Miamians who were lost on 9/11 (“In Memory of 9/11,” Spring/Summer 2021 Miamian). Of particular significance to me was the inclusion of Todd Christopher Weaver (“Weave”) from the Class of 1993, who I am proud to say was my friend. Todd, Matt Klinger (also ’93), and I all hailed from North Canton, Ohio, and made our way to Miami in the fall of 1989. How fortunate we were to have ended up together in Morris Hall, which back then was the only coed, air-conditioned dorm on the campus. And we had large corner rooms to boot. We made great friendships right away (Kurt, Pete, Lowell, Lippert — looking at you), whether it was eating at Harry’s dining hall, watching Browns games, or participating in late-night study sessions. Weave’s was a truly magnetic personality that made you want to be around him. He had a wry smile and a razor-sharp wit. Among the countless tragedies from 9/11, high among them is not seeing all that he would have surely accomplished. Side note: In a similarly awful twist of fate, our “1 South” corridor
Send letters to: Donna Boen Miamian editor Glos Center 820 S. Patterson Ave. Miami University Oxford, Ohio 45056 Miamian@MiamiOH.edu; or fax to 513-529-1950. Include your name, class year, home address, and phone number. Letters are edited for space and clarity. Opinions expressed are those of the letter writers and not Miami University or Miamian magazine.
Fall/Winter 2021
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