Lessons in leadership As an alumna of UC Davis and educator, I would like to express my deepest respect for two articles that present a perspective on major issues affecting our college campuses today. Thank you for the truth. Education is about more than just books, more than just degrees, more than just jobs. It has to be about making better people in the sense that one is helping each student be the best he or she can be. "In the Lead" and "Defusing School Violence" [fall 1999] offer perspectives that I feel need to be heard and reflected upon broadly in this society. I was impressed with your discussion of the workshops offered each quarter dealing with "organizational understanding, communication skills, the appreciation of diversity, the ethic of service, personal integrity and self-awareness." Cultivating individuals with such qualities is a plus in any society at any time. They will be needed in the future. Learning is important for its own sake, but applying it with appropriate ethics is germane to problem-solving as well as taking stands and making decisions. I note you are making an effort to expose students to leadership in different contexts. Sometimes people concern themselves with the leadership principles of the powerful in the business or political community without thinking about what power is used for or why they want power. It is true that students need to think of leadership in terms of the sacrifices needed to start movements based on ethical principles as well as the potential rewards from such efforts. "Stepping up to the plate and taking a stand" in either one's personal or professional life is an important quality in truly effective leadership. Some might call it courage, others strength of character. All I know is that it is not nearly common enough in today's world, and I am glad Davis is making its own stand in contributing to quality education in the next century. Promoting excellence in education requires such efforts. Dr. Marlyn A. Madison '74 Placentia