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Botanical Masterpieces
Biology Professor Sharon Rose uncovered a collection of stunning drawings by scientist Helen Gilkey to be exhibited at the Hallie Ford Museum of Art Jan. 10 - March 13, 2004.

In The Scene fall 2002, the “Tidbits & Briefs” section on p.8 heralds some fast facts about the incoming classes… Included is a category called “total multicultural.” … Is that to mean “non-white?” Why not just say so? It’s more than just a matter of semantics. “Multicultural” is not the same thing as “non-white.” A Hispanic student is no more or less “multicultural” than a white student. A campus that’s 100 percent Hispanic is no more or less “multicultural” than one that’s 100 percent white. … No one student is any more “multicultural” than another. To suggest otherwise is to enter the realm of absurdity. … Willamette University should be commended for its efforts in attracting students of color. It’s understandable that Willamette would want to trumpet its progress along those lines. Can it be done without mangling the English language and succumbing to cultural relativity? It ought to be.

Chris Duquette ’88

When I received the most recent issue of The Scene, I immediately noticed the peace sign hung on the dog tags. My heart was torn. Such a symbol infers that the ultimate goal of soldiers is not to seek peace, which I believe it is. … I did read the issue, though I did not have any desire to discuss it with my husband … an active duty soldier who works to protect our country every day. … Even in the articles about the military and Willamette, there was only one statement by the man who was a POW that he appreciated his country because it risked other men to come set him free. … Dr. Pelton’s letter inferred that there is always an opportunity to share diverse points of view, including this one. If this issue of The Scene was any indication of that opportunity, I seriously have doubts about that statement and others made about this issue that it is a balanced, or even well rounded collection of perspectives. … I am continually amazed at how the military’s side is omitted and I am deeply grieved.…

When I was at Willamette, I never heard a positive thing about why soldiers go to war and defend our country and the freedoms of its citizens. If this issue is any indication, I would have to surmise that the same is true today. …

Suzanne (Berry) Sniffen ’96

I salute the University and the students who participated in the clean up of Fort McDermitt. It is like a miracle for something like this to happen to a group living in the Nevada-Oregon desert.

Kenji Kurita ’45

Thank you for this outstanding issue – and following the theme of war and peace. I rejoice that Willamette is engaging students in the study of “War and Its Alternatives.” The article and fine photograph on p.20-21 about Glenn Olds ’42 “Standing Firm” was of particular interest to me, knowing two Japanese- American couples at Jason Lee United Methodist Church who were sent to relocation centers during WW II. When I was invited to preach recently at our church, in this 300th anniversary year of the birth of John Wesley, I used the theme: “Always Look a Mob In the Face” – a quotation from the founder of the Methodist movement. Glenn Olds’ participation in non-violent resistance to the mob at Lake Labish on Dec. 7, 1941, made a highly appropriate illustration.

I’m grateful for Dr. Olds’ life-long ministry in service to higher education and to world affairs and to his continued commitment to world peace in the years of his retirement – back home in Oregon.

Paul LaRue ’49

Great article on the V-12 Navy College Training Program in the summer issue. However, the picture on p.18 is not part of that program. The scene depicted is an Air Force ROTC formation from about 1968-69. I am the third cadet from the left in the last row. The article does not mention that activity at all. AFROTC was an important part of Willamette for a long time. I certainly appreciated my opportunity to join it and then serve in the USAF from 1969-73.

Phil S. Myers ’69