LETTERS
Letters to the Editor We want to hear from you! The Scene welcomes feedback and encourages discussion of higher-education issues, content and your thoughts about Geneseo. Send letters, which may be edited for space, to scene@geneseo.edu or to the Scene editor, SUNY Geneseo, Roemer House, 1 College Circle, Geneseo, NY 14454.
Sept. 11 essay is an inspiration Class of 1982 alumnus Bob Hogan’s essay in the fall issue of the Scene about his reflections after surviving the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center was truly inspiring to me. While many Americans have shared their personal experiences of escaping the World Trade Center, Bob’s story pulled me in like no other. Because of the connection we all share as Geneseo alumni, this account seemed personal, as if a classmate were telling me a story while on campus. The article was so gripping that I keep that issue nearby so I can re-read it and be reminded of its message. Many thanks to Bob for writing about his experience, and to our alumni magazine for sharing it with us. — Chad Salitan ’09 Memory scrapbook full a decade later I can’t imagine trying to chronicle all the things I love and miss about my Geneseo days. Geneseo is where I found my confidence as both a student and a leader. The opportunities provided a strong foundation as I went on to graduate school, jobs and now, as I finish my doctorate. While at Geneseo I was a DJ on both radio stations, vice chair of Central Council, chair of the Arts and Exhibits on the Activities Commission, and all kinds of other things that really set the tone for what I would go on to do in life.
I started in the Educational Opportunity Program. I owe a debt of gratitude to the people in that program who believed in me. I was a fan of the Inn Between and the Vital Spot. I still miss the sunsets over the valley, Christmas caroling in town with the Madrigal Choir,
and Aunt Cookie’s — especially after a night uptown. — Lynne Constantine Johns ’90 Proud to be part of Shaping Lives of Purpose After attending the New York City launch for the Shaping Lives of Purpose: The
Rewind mystery — remembered!
Dozens of alumni and current and former staff members wrote to us about this photo taken on the steps of Sturges Hall in the early 1970s — including some who are in it! Thanks to David Buckley ’70, Bev Blatt ’74, Glen Grossman ’76, Cyndi Everest Ringrose ’75 and others. It, in fact, advertised an open house in the Scene in 1973. Laura Bryan Twilliger ’76 was surprised to find herself (behind the bearded man and dog) with friends Betty Manley (second row, left)
and Ringrose (in the Phi Kappa Pi shirt). Everyone recognized the late Professor Emeritus Charles “Doc” Goetzinger (left), and his canine companion, Strider. “Doc changed my life in innumerable ways ...,” remembered Barbara Maille ’83. “I credit him with being the reason I had the courage to travel to India, to get a graduate degree and to really get the value and importance of life-long learning.”
Campaign for Geneseo and following that up with the opportunity to be part of the Buffalo campaign event as presenters, my wife Tracie and I were again reminded about all that Geneseo has given us. Careers. A family. All of those memories came flooding back. In addressing those gathered at the Buffalo event, one could read the same measure of pride on all of the faces looking back at us. The collective bond that Geneseo provides is undeniable. We’re very thankful to have been afforded the chance to have a small part in the effort to help support the college that has given all of us so much. They were two very special nights that we won’t soon forget. — Chris Brown ’94 & Tracie Lopardi Brown ’95 The best four years I graduated in 1988 and I still remember almost all of my freshman year, living in Suffolk dorm and the friends I made. I actually saved a guy’s life that year, too! I also remember making the choice to pledge Omegas and it was the best choice, next to choosing Geneseo itself, that I ever made. Aunt Cookie’s, the Inn Between, living on Main Street above Taco Junction, sorority parties .... The list of what made life at Geneseo great is endless. To this day, it was the best four years of my life. — James Carter ’88 Winter 2012
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