September 11, 2000
The beginning of a new academic year is a good time to remember how a little kindness can go a long way. The following letter was sent to President Susan A. Cole from Dr. John Scarry, a professor of English at Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College of The City University of New York, after his recent visit to campus.
Dear President Cole:
Some weeks ago, I had occasion to read a microfilm on your campus. I had never
been to your campus, but the impression your school made on me was so great
that I had to write to you directly.
Every person I encountered on your campus was only helpful in the extreme. I was helped, first of all, at the microfilm machine by a woman who, despite a sore leg, walked over to me more than once to make sure things were going well. At one point, she even came over to suggest a printed source in the reference area upstairs as a possible resource. I was so moved and impressed that I could not adequately express to her my gratitude.
Later, on a short break, I wandered through the bookstore, and everyone there was completely helpful. (I must confess a selfish motive here. I wanted to see if any of my eight basic writing textbooks were there. It was interesting to see that they were not; evidence that Montclair is beyond developmental writing.)
In the cafeteria, the lady at the cash register took the time to explain their procedures to me. When I looked behind me and saw the line of students and faculty waiting to pay without a trace of impatience, I was surprised. It was in the cafeteria where I made the most interesting discovery of my day: I was struck by how all the students were so genuinely nice to each other. I was affected by how every student greeted friends and peers with genuine cordiality. The atmosphere was so cordial and warm that I began to wonder if I was in some kind of time warp. To be quite frank, there has been such a lowering of civility in our society in recent years that, to observe such a lovely atmosphere at Montclair, is more than refreshing. Your campus has a wonderful, wonderful spirit!
Your physical plant is obviously respected by all. And, as I walked past classrooms in sessions, I was struck by all the neatly dressed students listening attentively in bright, inviting classrooms. I just wanted you to know how rare your part of the Groves of Academe is these days. You, and your students, faculty and staff are fortunate. How I do hope I will have to read a microfilm on your campus again!