The Last the last word

Lauding Communicating Plus

I have just finished reading the entire article about the Communicating Plus program at Ripon and feel a great sense of relief. As I was reading, my husband (Jeff Nelson ’78) and daughter are attending summer orientation at Ripon. My greatest worry for her in college is her writing skills … and she was reminded to talk to her advisor about this.

We were satisfied with her public education in a large high school, with the exception of English. We regret the decision to let her stay in “regular” English, rather than “Advanced Placement.” She has yet to write a substantial research paper!! We even had her take a college English prep course, but unfortunately, the class was interrupted by teacher illness and teacher training in a new form of discipline.

Now I feel that she should be able to get the assistance she needs for improving her writing skills — in what appears to be a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere! Again, I am reassured that Ripon was a great choice for her for college … and I look forward to her flourishing next year!

Katie Nelson P’08 Racine, Wis.

Seeking Clarification On Tracy House

Wow, they sure work fast in Ripon!!!

I’m referring to the letter from John Jamrich ’43 and your response on the “Last Word” page of the spring issue of your magazine. You mentioned that Tracy House was located where the Horicon State Bank now stands. Unless they build buildings awfully fast, this statement could be in error. My wife and I went through Ripon during Thanksgiving break in 2003. The corner we looked at (across from Parkhurst) was a parking lot much as are the sites of Harwood and Duffy. I don’t remember the street names.

Maybe the red brick John picked up was from the fireplace? The exterior brick of Tracy was grayish white, and if memory serves just a little bit, the exterior wood was painted gray. The only sorority or fraternity house with an exterior of red brick was Lyle. I hope some alumnus who lived at Tracy back in the ’20s, ’30s or early ’40s will verify this.

Bob Bierman ’42 West Allis, Wis.

Editor’s Note: Tracy house was located at the corners of Ransom and Thorne streets, across from Parkhurst house. The parking lot to which Mr. Bierman refers belongs to the Horicon State Bank (formerly Valley State Bank and several other names). Or, perhaps he is referring to a parking lot one block west which belongs to the College and which is the former site of Harwood house.

Williams Was Right

Don Williams’ “slight guess” on page 56 of the spring issue is a correct one. The smiling professor in the middle background is William Harley Barber.

Jane Barber Emerson ’46 Emporia, Kan.

‘NOTAN INFLUENTIAL THINKERINTHE BROADER WORLD’ …

It was interesting to see Mr. Amory Lovins chosen as an honorary doctorate recipient at Ripon College’s 2004 commencement. Mr. Lovins may be an influential thinker in the realm of alternative energy sources and conservation, but he most assuredly is not an influential thinker in the broader world

What Do You Think?

of conventional energy production. In that world, he and RMI have functioned as highly vocal critics. As noted by many active in developing conventional resources, Mr. Lovins’ and RMI’s criticisms have not been constructive. One should, indeed, examine Mr. Lovins’ and RMI’s advocacy to determine if “integrative design” and “savings” are its bases. Hopefully, Ripon College will take advantage of the connectedness Mr. Lovins extols to provide a forum for thinkers with a better grasp of the mix of conventional energy sources, alternative energy sources and conservation required to provide the world’s 21st century energy needs. Some likely candidates are Dr. John K. Sutherland of Edutech Enterprises, Canada and Dr. Daniel Yergin, president of Cambridge Energy Research Associates.

Don Giegler ’58 d.giegler@alum.mit.edu

La Jolla, Calif.

FRATERNITY ROUTINE, TOO

I read with interest the letter from Cindy Springer about the “Spencer, Spencer, Spencer” routine. He was a member of Alpha Phi Omega in West Hall. We pledges had to run into the lounge and do that and run out swiftly. How it got to a sorority ritual is beyond me. I have fond memories of my two years of pre-dental at Ripon.

John P. Costello ’52, DDS Sacramento, Calif.

Opinions expressed in the Ripon Magazine are those of the author or person interviewed. We’d like to hear what you think about college news and views. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number. They may be edited for length and clarity.

Send your letters to the Editor, Ripon Magazine, Office of College Relations, Ripon College, P.O. Box 248, Ripon, WI 54971. Or, you may contact us via the Internet at BooneL@ripon.edu