I just read your article in the spring magazine about the evolution of the UC Davis spirit squad. While it was fun to see what is happening now, I was very disappointed by your representation of song girls. We were not "little sisters" of fraternities. Many of us never had anything to do with fraternities at all. We were elected following a try-out process that included performing both a dance routine we were taught and an original routine we had to choreograph. During the year I was a song girl, cheerleaders, song girls and the ever fabulous Aggie Band all played equal parts in cheering on our Aggie teams.
It truly warms my heart to see a wonderfully evolving connection between Lake Tahoe and UC Davis in the proposed Lake Tahoe Center for Environmental Research ("Connections," spring 2001). As a former student at Davis and a lifelong lover of Tahoe, seeing one working to help the other is a dream come true. I would hope that many former alumni hold the same intense feelings for this important new project and feel drawn to offer their time and finances to make it become a flourishing reality.
CAR-FREE
It was good to read of the establishment of a Center for New Mobility to address shared-use vehicles; small, clean personal vehicles; and e-commerce [spring issue, page 44]. It was disheartening to read Nora Kenney's "Life in the Fast Lane" about her nostalgia for her college commute compared with her current daily trip [page 48]. Can your new center come up with ways to address Nora's situation, which is typical of many alums? May I suggest that you look at a shift in public perceptions and attitudes—away from SUVs and a vehicle for each member of a household and toward small cars, van-pooling, bus, train, bike and walking. My family has always chosen to live in the community where we work, for instance. Time with family and community activities is increased, while commuter time, expense and stress are greatly reduced.
Tom and Ray Magliozzi, the NPR car guys, tell retirees that when it comes time to buy a new car, DON'T! You will be healthier if you walk somewhere every day; furthermore, you can take taxis for the rest of your life and still spend less than on a new car, maintenance, insurance, parking, etc. Now that I've retired, I've taken their advice. I love the freedom from caring for a car and from the stress of driving in traffic, not to mention never having to look for parking. Cars can be leased or rented if needed for a week or a month, and taxis are a great way to get around, I've found.
Someone has said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Each one of us is responsible for reducing stress, congestion and air pollution. The center can promote it, but we must do it.
Eileen Adee, M.A. '73
Medford, Ore.
TOP O' THE TEACHERS
I hope I'm not the only student who was moved by the teachings and wit of former Professor Arthur McGuinness, who recently passed away. One of the last classes I took while a student at Davis was English 137, "Anglo-Irish Writers," a class offered in alternate years and taught by McGuinness. He possessed a keen understanding of Irish writers and history, and knew all too well their plight of great happiness and great sorrow.
I was a student eager to learn about my ancestral history; Professor McGuinness did just that for me and so many others. I thoroughly enjoyed his class.
He will be missed and may his Irish eyes be forever smiling!
Suzie Watson '95
via e-mail
