50
L E T T E R TO T H E EDITOR To the Editor, I just received my Purple & Gold Gazette. I am very glad that you were able to send it and look forward to receiving the St Mike’s full magazine in the future. I am an [alumna], the Class of 1978. Three things struck me in the publication: the note of 50 years of women at St. Mike’s, the recognition of Ed Markey as an outstanding individual, and most recently, the passing of Ray Doherty. While a student at St. Mike’s, I served as a resident assistant. Over the summers of 1977 and 1978, I worked in the Ross Sports Center in a program Ed Markey ran. It was called NYSP (National Youth Sports Program). Until this Gazette, I did not
realize that the two men graduated in the same year, 1951. For a woman back in the 1970s, college was still a man’s domain. I was in the Crown and Sword and sponsored a Saturday a.m. pool day for local children. The Ross Sports Center was Mr. Markey’s pride and joy and I learned quickly to respect it. (Back in that day, someone with his name was running for political office in Massachusetts. We all believed that he could have won!) But it was the notice of Father Ray Doherty’s death on June 7 that inspired this note. It is a unique experience for young people to attend
college. Much transpires. As an R.A., I was often tested more as an adult than as a student. Father Doherty was always there. He enjoyed XC skiing behind the dorms when there were trails there. He also ate many of his meals in the school cafeteria. As someone who was often in both places, I had many opportunities to chat with him. Seeing his smiling face on page 20 just reinforced the memory of his role in my college stay. His extensive list of accomplishments only serves to support my deepest regard for him. He was devoted to his faith and to his alma mater. It is perhaps odd for me to remember him with such affection, but he influenced many lives in the Campus Ministry. I have lost an old
and dear friend from my college days at St Mike’s. I just wanted to say something about it. Sincerely, Monica A. Joyal Class of 1978
C ALL F OR LE T T ERS TO T H E EDITOR Send us your thoughts, reactions to stories, memories, dreams, and reflections. We will include your letter in the next issue of the magazine, space permitting. Email: SMCmagazine@smcvt.edu
