Article spurs a flood of memories . . . and warnings
Article spurs a flood of memories . . . and warnings
Thank you for the story about gorge safety ("Wild Water," November/December 2008). Despite being an alumna who swam in the gorges and the parent of a current student, I had no idea that fifteen people had died in the gorges since 2000. While having an outdoor pool or running shuttles to parks would benefit students, I believe that finding or forming a safe swimming place within the gorges would be a better solution. With our top-quality engineers and architects, there ought to be a way to wall off and fill in a suitable section for swimming and supply a lifeguard for summer and early fall. The gorges are an integral part of Cornell's identity—they should be a usable asset to the community, not a death trap to be fenced off.
Dena Seifer Friedman '78, MD
Princeton, New Jersey
When our friend Danny Sastrowardoyo '87 drowned in Fall Creek Gorge in 1986, we were unaware of the ledges at the base of the falls that can trap swimmers in the strong currents. No one swimming with us that day suspected their existence—but while we were waiting for Danny's body to be recovered, a police officer said that even those searching for him were running a great risk by diving in the pool. He also told us that warning signs had been posted but were usually torn down within a day.
Shortly after Danny's death, we joined other friends and Danny's family to place a permanent memorial plaque in the gorge. We hoped that it would give people pause, but it is clearly inadequate now. As representatives of a group of Cornell-ians whose lives were forever changed by the lack of clear information about the dangers of this gorge, we respectfully implore the administration to take additional measures to ensure student safety. Let's find a solution to protect future generations of Cornellians.
Marc Scott '86
Jackson Heights, New York
Gerard Fenech '86
Paris, France
I took a deep breath when I saw the picture of Fall Creek Gorge on the cover. It brought me back in an instant to a day in May 1964 when I was a victim of the slippery rocks that line the water's edge. The Daily Sun described my incident as a minor mishap—"co-ed falls over a small waterfall"—and stated that I had received only minor injuries. I smile when I think about that description, as I suffered eleven fractures of my right wrist and arm and have had back problems ever since.
Fear for my safety was the last thing on my mind when I and my freshman-corridor companion were lured into the gorge on the first warm spring evening of the season. The water was flowing briskly as we watched from our perch on the rocks. As I got up to leave, my feet slipped on the wet rocks and I was swept up by the raging waters. I remember thinking what a stupid way this was to die, as I was certain that would be my fate. The next thing I remember was splashing down in a pool of water at the base of the falls in the middle of a group from Sigma Nu fraternity. They were startled to find me in their midst but sprang into action to pull me from the water. Awareness of the risks of this alluring and deceiving wonder of nature should be stressed to all incoming freshmen during orientation and to all who come on campus, even for short summer sojourns.
Eileen Tyrala '67, MD
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
Your article brought back sad memories of a fraternity brother losing his life in the spring of 1955. Dick Kramer BChemE '57 was a brother of mine in Alpha Chi Rho. He had been playing tennis with Felix, our headwaiter, somewhere on Stewart Avenue. They were returning via the path that runs alongside Fall Creek and comes out near Alpha Delta Phi. While Dick had no intention of going swimming, he jumped into the pool to retrieve his tennis racket, which had slipped out of his hand while he was climbing the path. He never made it back out of the water alive. I still remember the long, solemn wait to hear of the retrieval of his body.
Gil Riley '57
Wilton, Maine
Dear David . . .
President David Skorton had four thoughtful suggestions in his open letter to the President-Elect (From David Skorton, November/December 2008). I have a fifth—thoughtful as well, one hopes.
Historically, this nation had been the recipient of the brain drain from other countries, drawing the brightest students and faculty. This mutually beneficial fertilization was stimulating to them and to us, often resulting in significant research advances and in desirable visitors, some of whom eventually joined the American private sector. After 9/11, immigration policy was dramatically reshaped to prevent potential terrorists from entering the U.S. I believe the pendulum has swung too far, drastically narrowing this source of high-performing students and academics.
Strong security measures and preservation of jobs in a contracting market are urgent American needs. But I believe we can do a better job of meeting these needs while becoming a mecca again for those who have the potential to make significant contributions to our economy and our culture.
George Ubogy '58
Greenwich, Connecticut
Camp Concern
In "Camp Consoler" (Currents, November/December 2008), Brad Herzog '90 describes Camp Koby, the retreat founded by Sherri Lederman Mandell '77 for child victims of terror. This is a laudable endeavor, with which I have no argument. What does disturb me, however, is the fact that each victim mentioned appears to be an Israeli victim of Palestinian violence. Does Camp Koby not open its doors to non-Israeli victims—to, for example, Palestinian victims of Israeli terror? If it does, then why did your article ignore the Palestinian children who, as much as their Israeli counterparts, have experienced unforgivable acts of violence from which they too deserve a retreat? And if it does-n't, then shouldn't you have raised the issue of why such a camp would not be open to all victims of terror, regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, or religion?
Ethan Wells '99
Lexington, Massachusetts
Todd Sukol, executive director, American operations, of the Koby Mandell Foundation, responds: "Mr. Wells's well-intentioned outlook does not take into account the psychological damage that would be caused by doing what he suggests. Putting Arab and Israeli terror victims together might make Americans feel warm and fuzzy, but all the psychologists and mental health professionals we consulted expressed strong opinions that such a method would be emotionally devastating for all of the kids, and would do much more harm than good. The question he should ask is whether the Koby Mandell Foundation stands ready to share its pro-grammatic model with an Arab organization so they could adapt it appropriately. We do—but no Arab organization has taken us up on the offer.
Out of Bounds
The article "Uneven Field: Financial Aid Policies Threaten Ivy League Competitive Balance" (Sports, November/December 2008) is farcical and offensive given the current nature of the economy and how college savings have fared in this financial crisis. You should be ashamed of yourselves for publishing such a piece when many alumni may not have the funds to send their children to a school such as Cornell despite years of self-denial and saving. If Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are willing to distribute funds from their endowments to help families struggling to meet college expenses, then more power to them. Would you blame any family for sending their child to such an institution? And if Cornell teams don't win some championships as a result, what is lost? Is anyone really harmed? Perhaps a more appropriate discussion would regard the manner in which Cornell and its sister institutions price their tuition.
Richard Novitch '79, MD
White Plains, New York
Altruistic Alumni
Thank you for the encouraging article describing the Never Ending Altruistic Donor (NEAD) Chain and the emotional and intricate kidney donation process ("The Strongest Link," November/December 2008). A good friend of mine, Dennis Mitchell '84, received a kidney transplant from another friend, Leon Smart '82, earlier this year. Both Dennis and Leon are recovering nicely. I was deeply moved by Leon's gift, and I hope your article and this letter inspire others to consider becoming a living donor.
Tim Harrod '84
Montclair, New Jersey
Correction—November/December 2008
Advertisement, page 37: Due to a production error, we published the wrong ad for the Office of Trusts, Estates, and Gift Planning. We regret the error. Please see their new ad on page 22.