Crucial Miami program faces paralyzing cuts
I am writing to see if you are aware that a nationally recognized environmental program at Miami University was undergoing significant cuts? The Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES) has been around for the past 40 years and has over 600 graduates in key environmental positions in the state, nation and world. Recently, Miami made the decision to eliminate all nine graduate assistantships in the program and it appears that it is not finished making cuts. Miami has not been at all open and transparent about why it is making these cuts. It seems likely that as our country is poised to begin a major transformation of our energy and environmental systems to address the challenges of global climate change and energy independence, it is going to need the resources of IES to help in this effort. IES's experience in interdisciplinary education, problem solving, teamwork and community involvement is just the type of expertise that will be needed to address these issues. I urge The Miami Student and your readers to ask questions of the university. I'm very concerned that the university is making a major mistake and an important environmental program may be lost.
Graham E. Mitchell Miami alumnus '73, '76 mitchgssm@fuse.net
Dining services offer shameful history lesson
Miami University serves up Black History Month with a fresh slice of ignorance. Oh Miami, you never cease to amuse and impress me. I thought you would have learned after last year … but no, this February-the shortest and arguably most miserable and hated month of the year, the month that our nation has deemed suitable for Black History month-our beloved diversity-toting Miami has decided to celebrate by offering a wonderful new culinary selection of "Soul food." Oh no, we don't want to celebrate any of the historical or significant achievements of the black people, heavens no, but their food! Now that's something worth celebrating! You see Miami, this is the message you are sending to your student body. And let me tell you something, Miami, I have a good friend who is black - do you know what he likes to eat? It's not fried catfish, it's pizza and fries. So instead of investing considerable time and money into an ignorant and stereotypical venture, why don't you grow a pair and talk about something meaningful. Oh, and while you're thinking about it, I'll take a piece of cornbread …
Andrew Goldie goldieam@muohio.edu
Prof thanks workers for dedication during snow
Thanks to the grounds crew workers and facilities maintenance people who have worked so hard clearing our sidewalks, parking lots and streets these past two weeks, and whose jobs have been made even harder by the cutbacks over recent years.
The same goes for the housing and dining people who have battled the early-morning elements to take care of their constituents.
You might consider thanking the next one of them you see for getting up early and working late so that the rest of us can do what we need to do.
James Brock Economics brockj@muohio.edu
Student kindness warms heart of employee
During the height of one of this week's snow storms, an individual on our staff was walking to Shriver Center when she slipped and fell. She was hurt very badly. Many students were walking to and from class and stopped to assist her. Two people came to the office in Gaskill to alert her coworkers; others stayed with her until police and an ambulance arrived. One student even removed his coat and put it under her head. Although I've always known that Miami students are wonderful, I was incredibly touched by the kindness shown to someone that none of them knew, but who needed them so much. Thanks to each of you.
Kathie Brinkman Director Support Services IT Services brinkmkb@muohio.ed
Steelers fan seeks good samaritan during game
I am looking for the Miami University student who was a Good Samaritan at the AFC Championship football game in Pittsburgh Jan. 18. After going through the security check, I found I had dropped my ticket somewhere while unzipping my coat and juggling my sleeping bag, Terrible Towel and gloves. As I headed back through the wall-to-wall crowd trying to enter the stadium, I had help. Someone shouted, "Ticket on the ground!" Dozens of people backed up and began checking through the wet debris underfoot.
My spirits soared when I heard, "I found the ticket!" The young man holding it over his head was wearing a hat with a red "M." As I thanked him, I asked if that were a Miami of Ohio "M," since my daughter was a student there. It certainly was! I neglected to ask the hero his name, however. I want to thank him so much for returning the ticket rather than turning around to scalp it. I had come more than 300 miles from Kentucky to watch the Steelers qualify for the Super Bowl. I would be very interested in contacting him to thank him properly. If anyone knows who this was, please let the editors know.
Lisa Miller Edgewood, KY
