The Observer
received the following letter in response to President Harrison's previous message in the Winter 2005 issue in which he outlined the work he is doing with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Wow!
College student athletes could not have a more eloquent, progressive, or positive voice guiding future policy decisions. Living ... in Williamsburg [Va.], and being associated with the College of William & Mary, I am reminded each day of the values to which you subscribe, and the agenda of excellence you are currently advancing.
I applaud your involvement in NCAA activities. The University of Hartford is most fortunate to have you as its leader.
Douglas J. Keeler '65, '66
Williamsburg, Va.
Fellow Alpha Epsilon Phi's!
If the graduating classes of 1992 [and] 1993 (or whomever) would like to get together and share what's been going on for the past 10 plus years, please contact me. I'd love to have a reunion in the Connecticut area!
Amanda Learned '93
ajlleo@yahoo.com
On the Death of Peter Harvey '72, '80
Peter Harvey was only a few years ahead of me at Hartt, but so far ahead in other ways-more talent eating his breakfast, I used to tell people-than most of us display in a lifetime of mornings.
When, years ago, we at the school learned that the composer Norman Dinerstein had died too soon (he was almost the same age as Peter), the hallways of Hartt went quiet, as if his soul were passing through. I don't suppose that happened in the building on March 6 but it should have, and it happened here, in my house.
Memories of Peter: I see him in the pit in Millard, trying to breathe life into a John Knowls Paine relic called "Oedipus Tyrannus," or in whiteface as the Emcee in
Cabaret, in a photo that graced many a Hartt publication in those days. I hear him as Rodolfo while I conducted the New Britain Opera; and as Werther, singing of the sadness of spring. But I don't remember him best any of those ways. I prefer the memory of Peter Harvey roaring through "I Love a Piano" or "Abba Dabba Honeymoon," accompanying himself, or with Bob Ashens in tow, laughing, smiling, and so damn alive.
Hurts. Hurts like the Dinerstein. Peter Harvey in death has taken some of my youth with him. But he still makes me smile, even now, because I imagine at this very moment Peter Harvey and Bobby Short are playing and singing duets together, and both so very delighted with the company.
David Katz '77, '84, '88
Artistic Director
Hat City Music Theater
Candlewood Chamber Symphony
Danbury, Conn.
Editor's Note: Peter Harvey's obituary is in the IN MEMORIAM section of the site.
Disappointed
[Having] received my latest issue of The Observer (Winter 2005), I am very disappointed by what I perceive as changes to this publication. The cover story highlights Julie Wyman's full-length documentary of a woman who underwent a sex change. The next article I am treated to is about how whites deny that racism still exists. Finally, we are presented with an article from a visiting professor who comes to the conclusion that the U.S. media is self-involved and shortsighted.
I am all in favor of sharing different viewpoints, but I found all of these articles to be one-sided... I am not sure how you see your audience, but from what is contained in The Observer, I would say you see it as leaning to the left...
Either way, The Observer needs to make up its mind of what kind of publication it is going to be. Is it going to be one that informs the alumni of what is going on at the University and with its graduates, or do [you] want to be a publication that will present one-sided political viewpoints and then throw in alumni news?
Sal Cianfaglione '93
Glastonbury, Conn.
cianfaglione@cox.net
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