The Albright Reporter encourages letters to the editor related to issues discussed in the magazine, issues that relate to College news or policies, or that are of interest to a significant segment of our readership. Letters can be mailed, faxed or sent via email to:
The Albright Reporter, Albright College
13th & Bern Streets, Reading, PA 19612-5234
Fax: 610-921-7295, E-mail: jstoudt@alb.edu
Dear Albright Reporter,
At my age, The Reporter usually leaves me cold, but the article about Marian Wolbers' diaries brought back many pleasant memories of my "occupation" of Kyushu.
I was a 19-year-old Marine when we landed in Sasebo on Sept. 25, 1945. Despite all the Japanese warnings that we were murderers, after about two weeks the people accepted us as gentlemen and scholars.
I spent three months there and look upon that time as one of the most pleasant of my life.
Francis E. (Jim) DeVine '50
Dear Albright Reporter,
I have a comment about a line in the article "A Trip to Japan…" in the winter 2013 issue. The line is, "Here I was, observing photographs from one of the most devastating tragedies to occur—one that my own country was responsible for."
The author appears to misunderstand the reason for that tragedy, namely that we were at war with Japan. The Japanese Empire massacred an uncountable number of Asians and killed thousands in a sneak attack at Pearl Harbor.
They also were constructing long range bombers in their plan to bomb civilian targets in the USA.
Thousands of American soldiers gave their lives during the PTO to defeat the Empire.
The "tragedy" abruptly ended the war. It obviated the need to invade Japan, an invasion that would have resulted in the death of thousands, maybe millions of Allied and Japanese civilians and military. It would have devastated Japan, turning it into a smoking parking lot.
The fact that you can even write an article such as this is a tribute to the thousands who died to make it possible. I suggest the author visit the USS Arizona memorial or simply read a book on WWII.
A brother of an Albright professor was in the Philippines preparing to be in one of the first waves to invade Japan. He was well aware that many would never return. The "tragedy" saved their lives.
Thomas F. Green '53
Dear Albright Reporter,
I am so proud that my alma mater has taken the steps to meet 100 percent of a student's demonstrated financial need.
I spent my first two years after college working in the Admission office as the regional recruiter for Philadelphia. Throughout this time, I met talented, academically driven and resilient low-income youth. Sadly, each of these prospective students, although accepted, was not offered a financial aid package that enabled them to attend Albright. It was incredibly difficult to recruit these students knowing in the end that the financial aid budget was not enough to allow them the same opportunities I had been afforded as a student.
Upon leaving my position at the college, I began my work as a college counselor at Summer Search, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia. Each student I work with qualifies for free and reduced lunch, a low-income indicator. The minute I heard about Albright's new financial aid policy, I encouraged many of my 22 seniors to apply.
In December 2012, I loaded 15 of my students into a van and brought them to Albright for tours and interviews. I am proud to say that as of today, ten of my students have been accepted to Albright. I have been so lucky to watch these students receive their acceptance letters, knowing that they will actually have the opportunity to attend AND afford an Albright education. I am even more proud to say that my alma mater has made an investment in these talented students.
Thank you, Albright, for committing to providing a well-rounded liberal arts education that can now be accessed by all. You have already forever changed the lives of these students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend and graduate college.
Jared Epler '09
Dear Albright Reporter,
I am certain there were many Albright grads who suffered as we did on Oct 29, 2012. I live in Brick, N.J., one mile from Mantoloking and the Atlantic Ocean.
Despite the numerous warnings, we chose to remain home in order to do whatever we could in the eventuality that Sandy lived up to her expectations. Things looked like we would survive with minimal damage until the ocean breached at three spots in Mantoloking.
The results were devastating. Our house filled with water and we lost most of our possessions, including our 10-year-old Jaguar. Our family came to our rescue and we lived with a daughter for three months while our house was being repaired.
However, within days of the flood, I received no less than eight calls from my former Zeta brothers from Florida, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and New Jersey. They all had the same message: "Thank God you're alive and please come and stay with us." That might be less impressive if I graduated in the last five years, but that is not the case. I belong to the class of 1962, and one of those calls was from a brother I haven't seen or talked to in 52 years.
My gratitude goes out to Albright College and Zeta Omega Epsilon for introducing me to some of the most caring people I have ever known. Just talking to them boosted my spirits for the horrible weeks that followed. I only pray that I can return the feelings someday.
Gary Chapman '62
Dear Albright Reporter,
Thank you for the fantastic article on Terry Reilly. He is truly an inspiration to many students and especially to me during my years at Albright.
Terry Reilly challenged his students, and when they say "Intermediate Accounting" is the make it or break it class; it truly was. He allowed you to see many perspectives of accounting including your career in accounting, public vs. private, tax vs. audit, and so much more. He gave a wide view of all the possibilities you had in the profession and in the industry of finance. He always had a smile on his face and would brighten the classroom with his personality. Yes, the classes were hard, but he made them fun at the same time.
I owe a lot to Terry Reilly and all of the other accounting professors for their dedication to my future success. I am honored to say that I am an Albright graduate and that I had the opportunity to learn from Terry Reilly.
Jessica Stahl '10