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Mailbag
Alumni Life welcomes letters from readers. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Send letters to Montclair State University, Alumni Life Letters, Office of Public Information, 1 Normal Ave., Upper Montclair, NJ, 07043, fax 973-655-7382 or e-mail stliferd@mail.montclair.edu.
Dear Editor:
You certainly have a wonderful program in progress in planning the new Children's Center ("Building a Brighter Future," Summer 2001). I hope and pray that it becomes a reality very soon.
Autism is one of the least understood of all the mental conditions of the human race. All too often parents are told to institutionalize the child and concentrate on the other children. That is exactly what my sister and her husband were told with their son, Paul. Unfortunately at that time help was not available. He is now in a state-sponsored facility that has a reasonably good program, but in no way fits people into the mainstream of society.
It is hard to believe that you have discovered a way to turn Eric into a full functioning 9-year-old. His profile fits Paul's, except that someone knew how to develop his potential.
I consider Montclair one of the finest, most progressive and innovative institutions of higher education in the United States. I am proud to have graduated from Montclair in 1928, when it was only a Normal School. I received a top quality education, which has served me well for many years.
God bless your efforts. I know you will succeed.
Kitty May Shaw '29
Cupertino, Calif.
Dear Editor:
I have so many fond memories of the amphitheater -- afternoons spent in the shaded areas preparing homework for my double
 Sister Elena Francis Arminio in the amphitheater |
My international set of friends and I would gather in the amphitheater to catch up on each other's lives and events. Since 1948 I have taught steadily (except for a year in the Novitiate of the Sisters of Charity with whom I have been a member since Oct. 1, 1951). On Oct. 1, 2001 I celebrated 50 years as a Sister of Charity and I have taught at the College of Saint Elizabeth since 1958 with no retirement in sight.
Your article on the amphitheater ("Memories of a Special Place," Spring 2001) recalled my happy years at Montclair State Teachers College. The education I received prepared me well for my subsequent teaching of Spanish and Italian, for my courses in English and ESL, and for my seven-year tenure as director of the Honors Program.
 Sister Elena Francis Arminio '48 and Dr. Fulcome |
I still keep as my motto, "Carpe Diem." I salute Montclair State University as it faces the challenges of the 21st century. I, for one, welcome the renovations that are under consideration for the amphitheater.
To MSU, "Ad multos annos!"
Sister Elena Francis Arminio '48
Convent Station, N.J.
Dear Editor:
I participated in the recent
awards ceremony for veterans. I was honored to be invited. As a veteran
of World War II, I wish to thank the University and President Susan A.
Cole for affording me and other veterans the profound honor of receiving
the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal. The thoughtfulness manifested
by those present and the facilities provided for this auspicious occasion
will certainly be remembered.
The ceremony was wonderful! It was quite dignified and very moving. I
believe that other attendees would readily join me in expressing appreciation
for the professionalism and sensitivity of Major General Paul Glazer as
he presented the medals. I, personally, consider it an honor to receive
it from so distinguished an officer.
Equally meaningful and expressive were the remarks of President Cole,
as well as Representative [William] Pascrell. The presence of veterans
-- from private to colonel to general -- was an inspiring experience,
reflecting the dedication, loyalty and service Gregory Waters, vice president
for Institutional Advancement, emphasized during the ceremony. My wife
and the many friends who attended in support of my award commented on
how moved they were by the ceremony. Many said they came away with a deeper
appreciation for veterans who served both in combat and other duties.
The ceremony was simply a capstone of honor to an alumnus and veteran
of over 50 years, and one that I will never forget.
Joseph Feld '50
South Orange, N.J.
Editor's note: Readers interested in learning more about the Children's Center or the amphitheater restoration project should call the Development Office at 973-655-4344.