Macalester Today November 1992 Macalester College

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11-1-1992 Macalester Today November 1992 Macalester College

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This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Communications and Public Relations at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in Macalester Today by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Washington Works: Alumni activists in the capita Recycled paper, a new format and eight more pages. These changes, which we introduce with this issue of Macalester Today, A Letter are meant to help your alumni magazine serve you better. Recycled paper is something you and we have long desired. We held from theback until we could find a paper that would print well and be readily available at a good price. Our selection, Warren Recovery Matte, seems to meet those criteria well. Editors The most noticeable feature of the new format is probably the page size, which has narrowed to the traditional — and more economical — eight- and-one-half inches. We've selected lovely Goudy typefaces, eliminated distracting rules and introduced shaded boxes to set off feature photos, all in an effort to improve readability. Eight more pages per issue will help us accommodate the ever- increasing numbers of Class Notes — always the best-read section of the magazine — while continuing to cover college news of potential interest to alums (like this issue's piece on admitting the children of alumni by Dean of Admissions Bill Shain), and to present thought-provoking features focusing on your fellow alumni (such as Jon Halvorsen's piece on alumni who keep alive a college tradition of activism in the shadow of the Washington Monument). The additional space also allows us to introduce a few regular features: •"Giving Back" reappears after an extended absence to showcase the many ways in which alumni and friends share in the work of the college. •"Quotable Quotes" presents commentary by visitors and by members of the Macalester community in a variety of public forums. •"Macalester Yesterday" expands the single photo that has appeared in each issue to an entire page of history and nostalgia. •"Macrocosm" will present a new way of looking at Macalester's world — an essay, a photo, a piece of art or a bit of commentary selected by the editors because it is stimulating, provoking or edifying. Speaking of the editors, the team that put together Macalester Today's new look — Executive Editor Nancy Peterson, Managing Editor Jon Halvorsen, and Art Director Elizabeth Edwards — welcomes your comments and ideas on the format, the content or any other aspect of your alumni magazine. Call, write or fax us. Be sure to let us know whether your letter is intended for publication. — The Editors 2 At Macalester 17 Who Should Apply to Macalester ? Nine new tenure-track faculty; Hall of The dean of admissions offers guidelines to help parents who are Fame adds four; faculty-student research planning for their children's education. on the St. Croix; and other campus news. by William Shain

7 Quotable Quotes 20 The Class of'96 Remarks by and to the Macalester community. Facts about and photographs or a remarkable first-year class.

8 Washington Works ; 24 Giving Back Macalester alumni are making a difference in government and Two members of the Class of '64 define 'volunteer.' politics in the nation's capital. by Jon Halvorsen 25 Macalester Yesterday Historical facts and anecdotes about the college. 16 Hildegard Johnson's Path by Robert Kerr A visit with the professor emerita who built Macalester's Geography Department. 26 Alumni News by Jon Halvorsen The president of the Alumni Association outlines the journey from validation to participation to ownership.

On the cover 28 Class Notes Peter Fenn '70, a Democrat, and Robin Carle '77, a Republican, News from the worldwide Macalester community. were photographed near the Washington Monument by by Kevin Brooks Mark Charette. The two are among the many Macalester alumni active in government and 40 Macrocosm politics in the nation's capital. See pages 8-15. A new department that will feature essays, opinion pieces and other articles. In this issue, Michael Obsatz writes about how to raise non- violent children in a violent world.

Macalester Today Macalester College Macalester Today (Volume 81, Number 1) Executive Editor Chair, Board of Trustees is published by Macalester College. Nancy A. Peterson Barbara Bauer Armajani '63 It is mailed free of charge to alumni and friends of the College four times a year. Managing Editor President Circulation is 24,000. Jon Halvorsen Robert M. Gavin Jr. Art Director Vice President for Development For change of address, please write: Elizabeth Edwards David Griffith Alumni Office, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN Contributing Editor Alumni Director 55105-1899. Or call (612) 696-6295. Gary McVey Karen McConkey To submit comments or ideas, please Class Notes Editor Associate Alumni Director ' • write: Macalester Today, Public Relations Kevin Brooks '89 Mary Winston Smail and Publications Department, at the Alumni Association President above address. Or call (612) 696-6452. Jane Else Smith '67 Or fax (612) 696-6192. Alumni Director Emeritus A. Phillips Beedon 78

NOVEMBER 1992 At Macalester

• Rachel May, Russian, comes to Mac- graduate study abroad. They are Thomas College hires nine alester from the State University of New Dohrmann, who went to Sierra Leone; York at Stony Brook, where she occupied James H. Shore, who is in Australia; tenure-track faculty a tenure-track position. She earned her Jenny K. Nagaoka, who is in Japan, and Ph.D. in 1990 from Stanford. Rhodri C. Williams, who is in Germany. The college has hired nine new faculty members for tenure-track positions. All • Robert L. Morris, choral music. He are outstanding teacher-scholars; three are comes to Macalester from Jackson (Miss.) women, two are Americans of color and State University, where he was an associ- Foundations of success one is an international scholar. They are: ate professor of music, director of choral The continual improvement of teaching is activities and coordinator of the vocal the goal of a new endowed fund that the • Thomas D. Varberg, chemistry. He area. He joins Macalester as an associate college is establishing. comes to Macalester from the National professor. Institute of Standards and Technology, The G. Theodore Mitau Junior Faculty where he was a post-doctoral associate. • Yue-Him Tarn, history. A visiting Sabbatical Fund, named after one of Mac- His research interests are in physical professor at Macalester since 1990, he has alester's most inspiring professors, will chemistry, molecular electronic structure a Ph.D. in Japanese history from Prince- provide promising young Macalester and laser spectroscopy. He earned his ton and previously taught at York Univer- teachers in the social sciences a one- Ph.D. degree in chemistry in 1990 from sity in Ontario and the Chinese semester sabbatical and summer stipend. MIT. His appointment will be delayed University of Hong Kong. He was named The Lucius N. Littauer Foundation has one year so he can accept a prestigious fel- a full professor at Macalester. provided $50,000 as a base for the fund, lowship to Oxford University. and at least $200,000 more will be needed to endow it fully. • Julie Ann Bunn, economics, received The Mitau fund — and companion her Ph.D. from Stanford last summer. Her Fulbright winner funds for faculty in the humanities, fine research and teaching interests include re- Rebecca A. Bremner '91 has won a Ger- arts and natural sciences — will help to source and environmental policy, U.S. continue a successful program initiated in and international economic development, man government teaching.assistantship and Fulbright travel grant. She is spend- 1987 through the Joyce Foundation. Past population studies, economic history and Joyce recipients have used their sabbati- labor economics. ing the 1992-93 academic year as an assistant teacher of English, American studies cals to complete books and papers, pursue • George McCandless, economics. His and American literature at a high school new avenues of research, visit library col- major fields of concentration are monetary in Germany. lections essential to their work and learn theory, international trade, macro- Four Macalester students who graduated economics and econometrics. He received last May won Fulbright research grants for his Ph.D. from the University of Minne- sota in 1981 and has taught at Dartmouth and the University of Chicago. He joins Macalester as an associate professor. • James R. Doyle, physics, is a post- doctoral associate from the Coordinated Service Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He received his Ph.D. in 1989 from the University of Col- orado at Boulder. • Hung T. Dinh, mathematics and computer science. Among his many interests are history of mathematics, writing textbooks, and directing undergraduate and graduate research. He received his Ph.D. in 1989 from the University of Cal- ifornia, Berkeley. • Karen Saxe, mathematics and computer science. Her research interests are in operator theory and functional analysis. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Oregon in 1988 and had a post-doctoral position at St. Olaf before joining Macalester's faculty last year in a temporary position. Macalester's new faculty this fall include Marie Welborne, left, psychology, and Darrell Moore, political science, two of the four Kntght-Maealc\ster pre-doctoral fellows. Under a continuing special program for scholars of color, the fellows teach courses while finishing their doctoral dissertations. In the background is Robert L. Morris, new associate professor of choral music.

2 MACALESTER TODAY Ac Macalester

• John D. King '54 of North St. Paul, Minn. The first member of the Class of '54 inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame, King made a name tor himself in track and field, both as a competitor and later as a coach. He was a member of Mac's 1952 mile relay team which set a conference record. He won the 1954 conference championship in the 880-yard run and set an indoor school record in the 880-yard run. King served as cross country captain at Macalester twice, in addition to being track captain once. He also achieved success in the coaching profes- sion, leading his alma mater'to conference cross country titles in 1956 and 1957. His 1957 Mac track team finished second in the conference. He went on to the high school ranks and between 1958 and 1988 achieved great success at North St. Paul High School. King coached at North from 1962 until retiring in 1989. He was honored as Minnesota Coaches Association Cross Country Coach of the Year in 1979-80.

• William L. Severson '72 of Brainerd, College honors a friend of education Minn. Macalester has had a tradition of having great swimmers, but perhaps no John B. Davis Jr., president of Macalester from 1975 to 1984, greeted many one has achieved more success than Willy friends and admirers outside Cochran Lounge Sept. 11 after receiving the first Severson, a 12-time All-American and Macalester Board of Trustees Award for Meritorious Service to Education. The award honored his more than 40 years of service and leadership at virtually 15-time MIAC individual champion. His every level of education. school 100- and 200-yard freestyle records stood until this past winter, a tremendous feat considering how much faster times are now than 20 years ago. Severson led the new teaching techniques from pre- part program aimed at diversifying the stu- Scots to four MIAC championships and a eminent mentors at other institutions. dent body and faculty while incorporating fourth-place NAIA finish in 1972. A ded- Foundations play a key role in support- minority scholarship and perspectives into icated athlete, Severson competed primar- ing Macalester's mission. For example: the curriculum. ily in the freestyle events. For the past 18 • In 1989, the William and Flora years, Severson has been swimming coach Hewlett Foundation gave $250,000 in a for the highly successful Brainerd High 3-to-l "challenge" grant. The grant re- Four join Hall of Fame School program. quired Macalester to raise $750,000 in The M Club inducted four new members • Gerald J. Shaughnessy '64 of Men- new gifts from other sources by January into the Macalester Athletic Hall of Fame dota Heights, Minn. Shaughnessy was a 1992, a goal the college met. The chal- Oct. 9 during Homecoming Weekend. football and baseball standout for the lenge grant achieved its purpose by stimu- They are: Scots. A four-year letterman in both lating a broad base of support for sports, he was co-captain of the baseball Macalester. The Booth Ferris Foundation • Ralph J. Colaizy '43 of White Bear team twice and the football team as a se- contributed $100,000. Lake, Minn. A four-year letterman in nior. He made All-MIAC twice in base- The $1 million total supplements a both football and hockey, Colaizy was a ball and received the department's $700,000 endowed Presidential Discre- durable athlete who rarely missed a game Primrose and Scotton Scholarship tionary Fund, originally established in due to injury. In football, he played quar- Awards. Since graduating, Shaughnessy 1981 by the Hewlett Foundation and the terback and linebacker on Mac teams has been involved in many civic organiza- Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The which went 18-9-4 during his four years of tions, including coaching youth sports. fund helps keep the academic program vi- duty. He was the hockey team's captain as He is currently the branch manager for tal and responsive to a changing a junior and player-coach as a senior. He both the Minneapolis and St. Paul offices environment. was also the hockey coach at his alma ma- of Paine Webber. ter in 1946-47. Colaizy helped organize • A $250,000 challenge grant from the the Scots Club as a charter member and Knight Foundation of Miami, Fla., in 1948 became president of the M Club. awarded in 1989, required the college to He currently serves the M Club as fund raise $250,000, which it did by June drive chairman. From 1947 until 1981, he 1991. The grant has supported a three- worked as a 3M Co. industrial engineer in human resources. NOVEMBER 1992 At Macalester

Athletes turn out The class that entered Macalester this fall — both first-year and transfer students— included 102 athletes, by far the highest number in several years. The new students included 30 football players, giving the football program its best recruiting results in many years.

Patricia Kane retires Patricia Lanegran Kane '47, DeWitt Wal- lace Professor of English, is among the faculty members who retired earlier this year. A widely published scholar, she wrote more than 30 essays and book chapters on American and contemporary literature. A member of Macalester's English Depart- ment tor more than 40 years, she was the first woman to serve as the department's chair. She was a frequent consultant and participant in Minnesota Humanities Commission programs, a panelist for the National Endowment for the Humanities A grim reminder of the Cold War programs and one ot the first two National A two-ton chunk of the Berlin Wall was shipped to Macalester as part of an Humanities lecturers tor Minnesota. A re- exhibit entitled "Breakthrough: The Fight for Freedom at the Berlin Wall." cipient of Macalester's Thomas Jefferson Designed to note the Wall's place in history, the exhibit was displayed this fall in Award in 1980 for her excellence as a the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center and will tour the U.S. through 1994. Standing teacher, scholar and advocate of human beside it are, in sunglasses, Vesna Krezich Kittelson, whose paintings are part of rights, she also was selected as an alumni the exhibit, and three former East German students now studying in Minnesota. member of Phi Beta Kappa and received a 1992 Distinguished Citizen Citation from the college. Programs will run from 10 a.m. to 3 "Patricia Kane's accomplishments as a Events: 696-6900 p.m. each day. Each organization will scholar and teacher are widely recognized Macalester now has a telephone number have an information table in Cochran and admired," said Harley Henry, a long- you can call for information about upcom- Lounge. Workshops and programs will be time colleague on the English faculty. ing campus events: (612) 696-6900. held in Cochran and Weyerhaeuser "But we in literary studies also know that This is a recorded information network Chapel. she was an extraordinary pioneer whose for use with a touch telephone. You will • Wednesday will focus on programs foresight, taste and determination intro- be able to listen to recorded messages and opportunities for study abroad. duced her students and colleagues to so about upcoming athletic events, theater, many new writers and works.'1 dance, music, art exhibitions, alumni ac- • Thursday will feature public sector or- tivities, public lectures and other events. ganizations and graduate programs such as Each message will include a phone the Peace Corps, Women of Nations, number to call during business hours for Earthwatch and the U.S. Immigration Alumni service more information. and Naturalization Service. The Campus Life Committee of Macales- ter's Board of Trustees is considering the • Friday focuses on business organiza- topic of community service and would like tions with international connections and to hear from alumni about their experi- Career fair graduate programs. Among the confirmed ences serving society. Macalester's Career Development Center participants are the World Bank, U.S. Specifically, the committee would like is sponsoring an International Career In- Customs Service and CDS International. to hear how much, and in what ways, formation Fair Wednesday through Friday, The fair is free to Macalester students, alumni are serving, and also ideas about Nov. 18-20. faculty and staff. Macalester alumni and how Macalester can best promote the ser- The three-day event will provide stu- ACTC students are invited, with a $1 advice ethic on campus. dents and alumni the opportunity to talk mission fee each day. For more informa- Please address your responses to: with representatives of international orga- tion, call the Career Development Center Cynthia Crossen, 79 State St., Brooklyn, nizations about typical kinds of careers at (612) 696-6384. N.Y. 11201. (not jobs) and ways to build international experience. Workshops and related events will also be presented.

MACALESTER TODAY At Macalester

commercial officer was leaving for meal credits. From his research, Juras Summer of soybeans Lithuania. "The load of work was so ex- learned that an additional $5 million in For his summer job, Vygandas Juras '93 of tensive that 1 probably did two years' meal credits could be obtained because of Lithuania helped his country obtain $5 worth of work," said Juras, the only com- the reallocation of funds at the end of the million worth of U.S. soybean meal. mercial representative in an embassy that fiscal year. He met with USDA officials Juras spent last summer working as a usually has several. and discussed the severe drought that commercial representative for the Lithua- Through Lithuania's participation in Lithuania had experienced and inquired nian embassy in Washington, D.C. Upon the U.S. Department of Agriculture pro- about obtaining additional credits. On be- his arrival, he had a month ot intensive gram called Food for Peace, the country half of the president of Lithuania, he training to learn the job because the other initially received $5 million in soybean drafted a letter to the U.S. secretary of agriculture formalizing the request. A week later, he learned that Lithuania had been given the additional credits. Juras, who worked on other projects as well for the embassy, said he "learned a lot about the different aspects of business and dealing with people." After graduation in May, he plans to attend graduate school and eventually hopes to work in Lithuania's foreign service. — Karen Hanson '95

Playwright in progress Robert Kerr '92 won a Jerome Playwright- in-Residence Fellowship to the Play- wrights' Center in Minneapolis for 1992 — 93. Funded by the Jerome Foundation, the program awards six fellowships a year to help emerging playwrights across the country. Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend and make use of the center's developmen- tal programs of workshops and readings with professional actors and directors. Macalester expects major competitions to be held at its new track. Kerr has had work produced in the Young Playwrights Festival in New York and was an American delegate to Inter- On the fast track to varsity sports play '91 in Australia. Previous recipients Macalester has a new $1.5 million a new lighting system will be installed, of Jerome Fellowships include August track and field facility, one of the best making viewing conditions at Wilson and Lee Blessing. in the nation. Macalester Stadium much better for The track was completed this fall. night football and soccer games. The European-style wide turns make it The track replaces the nation's first No. 1 with a bullet one of the fastest tracks in the Midwest tartan track, which was torn up in July and Macalester expects to host major after serving the college for nearly 30 Macalester is ranked No. 1 among the competitions, including the Division years. The old track was in such bad "Up-and-Comers" in national liberal arts III national meet. condition that the college was unable colleges, according to the 1993 U.S. News The nine 48-inch lanes have a very to host meets. & World Report guide. wide radius. Pole vault events may be Because of the wide turns, there will The magazine's well-known annual run in all four directions and there are be a larger playing area for soccer, giv- guide to "America's Best Colleges," which two long jump/triple jump runways as ing Mac one of the top soccer fields in came out this fall, listed five colleges well as two javelin runways. High the area as well. which were "most often named as up-and- jump, shot put and discus areas are in The game field at the stadium had to comers" in its survey. Macalester was lis- place, as well as a steeplechase area be torn up before construction began ted first, followed by Rhodes College inside the south end of the track. and a new drainage and sprinkler sys- (Tennessee), Centre College (Kentucky), Macalester will also purchase all new tem installed. As a result, early season Connecticut College and Earlham College track and field equipment, such as football and soccer matches were (Indiana). hurdles and high jump bars. moved off campus, but the field was Although Macalester was not listed A new Scoreboard will be built for expected to be ready in late October. among the top 25 national liberal arts col- use in football, soccer and track. Also, leges, it was ranked 24th in the nation in the category of "academic reputation."

NOVEMBER 1992 At Macalester

Of zebras, quads and the winged maple leaf: Researching the river by Kevin Brooks

Huck Finn wouldn't approve. A beautiful river and a summer day nor- mally inspire thoughts of leisure. But for the past three summers, a serene hend in the St. Croix River has been the site of vigorous research by Macalester biology Professor Daniel Hombach and five student assistants. They have been studying freshwater mussels, gritty, rock-like creatures that provide an important food source for muskrats. Using Macalester's pontoon research craft, the research team gets down to business over a section of the river that harbors an unusually diverse community of mussels. Hombach and his researchers have been making the 45-minute drive from St. Paul to the Wisconsin border twice a week during the summer to measure sediment composition and flow rates, dig up "quads" (roughly 1.5-by-l.5-foot sections of the river bottom) and collect as much ecological information as possible. "Most ecological work is interpretive," Professor Dan Hombach, right, and Jamie March '93 are immersed in their research. said Lindsay Powers '92 (Des Moines, Iowa). "We are trying to get a better un- Extinction of the winged maple leaf "Dan's great at including students in his derstanding of the factors influencing the mussel is almost certain when the zebra research," said Jamie March '93 (Grand mussels in the river." With enough data, arrives in full force. European in origin, Rapids, Mich.), who has spent two sum- the team hopes to draw conclusions about the first zebra mussel immigrants traveled mers working with Hornbach. Last year, conditions that affect mussel communities to America in the ballast water of ships. several of Hornbach's students accom- and, by extension, the productivity of a The seemingly harmless creature is the panied him to the North American river. scourge of waterways because its byssal Benthological Association meeting in Powers, the only member of the team threads cling to locks and dams, eventu- Louisville, Ky., where they presented who has spent three summers with the ally blocking water flow and clogging some of their findings. project, co-authored a paper with Horn- equipment. In addition to Powers, Jensen and bach. Her expertise was evident as she Of greater concern to environmentalists March, the on-site research team last picked through a bucket of mussels sifted is the effect the zebra mussels have on in- summer included Emily Mugnolo '93 (San from a quad and casually identified each digenous ecosystems. The invaders over- Francisco) and Scott Villinski '94 (the type. She shouted measurements to Aleria compete and wipe out most other strains Philippines). Two other students, Todd Jensen '94 (Seattle), who scribbled the of mussels. Since the St. Croix is the last O'Brien '92 (Moose Lake, Minn.) and numbers on a tablet. holdout for winged maple leaf mussels, Sara Floyd '93 (Hanover Park, 111.), fo- Their work has been funded by the Hornbach's research carries a subtle sense cused on lab work back at Macalester. Minnesota and Wisconsin natural re- of urgency. So far, speculation has it that the con- sources departments, the Blandin Founda- The researchers followed a rigorous trolled flow from the nearby hydroelectric tion and grants to Macalester from the schedule. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, dam creates a unique environment for Pew Charitable Trusts and Howard they covered 10 to 20 quads on the water mussels. Perhaps by regulating releases, Hughes Medical Institute. The U.S. Envi- each day. When they weren't on the wa- humans can enhance the biodiversity ot ronmental Protection Agency is now sup- ter, the group returned to Macalester to waterways around the world and save porting the work for the next three years. analyze data and conduct more detailed countless species from extinction. In addition to documenting the river's research. "That's what we hope," said Hornbach. biodiversity, Hombach and his team have Hornbach, who is also director of Mac- Why study biodiversity? studied the recently endangered winged alester's Ordway Natural History Study Scientists are finding many uses for rare maple leaf mussel and prepared for the ex- Area, earned his Ph.D. from Miami Uni- species. For example, Hombach points to pected invasion of the zebra mussel. versity in Ohio by studying clams. He the bark of the yew tree in California "It's not here yet, but it will be," Hom- finds that involving students is a great way which has been used to treat cancer pa- bach said. "We're doing a pre-invasion to pursue his research interests and teach tients. "We need a diversity of organisms study." at the same time. to maintain a healthy ecosystem," he said. "There's so much we don't know." • MACALESTER TODAY Quotable Quotes

Among noteworthy comments made recentlya steel industry in the late 19th century "My husband and his family come from on and around the campus are the following:and computers in the mid-20th century Lebanon, which has become the symbol and so on, is because of following exactly of violence and incomprehensible con- • "There is a certain meanness of spirit the policies that we say are unacceptable flict. Press reports I saw this week are ask- loose in this country today, something 1 in the Third World: import substitution, ing whether Sarajevo is becoming another am afraid we as journalists have contrib- protectionism, high tariffs, subsidies...." Beirut. And yet, the Lebanese often inter- uted to. All you have to do is look at the Noam Chomsky, professor of linguistics and pret the war they have suffered as 'mini- world war by proxy.' current presidential campaign to detect it, philosophy at MIT, speaking March 50 at but it is apparent elsewhere as well. The Macalester on "The Colombian Era: The "It is from within this setting that I am minute anyone rises on the American Next Phase" committed to international exchange as stage, whether in politics, entertainment an essential part of education in today's or the arts, we try to pull them down, or • "Cutting the work week would create world where there are more wars going on tear them apart. 1 implore you in what- millions of decent, good-paying jobs. .. . simultaneously than any time in history. ever endeavor you go into, don't succumb Today, inner-city residents, young men "I believe that education involves a to this trend. Never be afraid to be fair. It and women of color, desperately need ac- search for knowledge, and that knowledge takes so much more courage to write or cess to good jobs. Union members desper- is based on truth, and that truth can lay voice something good about someone ately need to have their workplace loads the ground for justice, and justice goes than it does to criticize." lightened, and the labor movement hand in hand with peace.. .. " Thomas L. Friedman, Pulitzer Prize- equally desperately needs a rallying point Kathryn Huenemann Habib '69, winning author and New York Times that can energize its rank-and-file, build speaking at Macalester last June upon unity among all working people, and be reporter, addressing the Class of '92 receiving a Distinguished Citizen Citation addressed on both economic and political at Macalester1 s Commencement on for her work toward peace and justice in fronts.... Has there ever been a better the Mideast May 23 time to launch a movement for shorter • "Every successful developing society, work time?" • "We spend a lot of time describing without exception, succeeded by violating Peter Rachleff, labor historian at how unique each of us is (and that is [free-market] rules. ... From England start- Macalester, in a]une 27 column in the true), how what we are has been influ- ing in the 17th century, up to South Ko- St. Paul Pioneer Press enced by our gender, race and class (and rea and Taiwan, success resulted from this is true), but far less about what we violating radically these rules that are • "... I live in the Arab world whose share in common. I suggest that unless we taught you in economics departments, and people, for centuries, have been misun- remind ourselves more often about our worse than that, that hotshot economists derstood and victimized by the West— common sharing and the commonweal, tell the Third World they have to follow. from the time of the Crusades to the colo- we will not be the community we claim— Those rules are for the purpose of robbing nial era and the establishment of the state international, multicultural and service- people.... The reason [that the U.S.] had of Israel to today's post-Gulf War 'New related— except in a statistical sense. textiles in the early 19th century and then World Order' situation. "If the Macalester community is to better realize its ideals, we need to start with a description of our common identity. I —. believe we need to start with a more in- clusive definition, such as 'We are thinking, feeling human beings who wish to know, understand and interact with other III thinking, feeling human beings.' President Gavin, speaking at Macalester's Opening Convocation on Sept. 3 • "You should have a sense of the world. Put yourself in situations where you can meet people who are not like yourself. There is no substitute for really looking into another person's eyes and really getting to know them. "It's critically important you work at opening your minds, and even more important, at opening up your hearts to what's out there, to our people and country. Much of the doubt and pessimism can be erased if we decide we really can come together and find value in each other." Henry Cisneros, Hispanic leader and former mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Henry Cisneros, second from right, a national leader in urban and Hispanic issues, speaking to Macalester students at a Sept. 17 spoke at Weyerhaeuser Chapel on "Minority Participation in the Next Century." convocation •

NOVEMBER 1992 Works Carrying on the tradition ofMitau, Humphrey and Mondale Macalester alumni are making a difference in government and politics in the nations capital

by Jon Halvorsen

In 1958, more than 40 Macalester students and faculty gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to have their photo taken with Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey, a former and future Macalester faculty member. MACALESTER TODAY Deja vu in 1992: Last April, 34 years after the photo on the opposite page was taken, Walter F. Mondale '50 and Joan Adams Mondale '52 stood on the same spot with 30 other Mac alums who work in Washington. They are (in -.: no particular order) Sarah Crawford '85, Nicholas Wootton '86, Thomas Adams '85, Michael Doon '84, Ann Webber '90, Timothy McGinnis '85, Jane Freeman '86, Elisabeth Boylan '85, Betsy Rosen '85, Moira * • r Muccio '86, Timothy Driver '88, Cara Woodson '89, Sarah Craven '85, Zia Yusuf '91, Mark Lindsay '85, Shanda Steimer '91, Laurel Beedon '68, Pamila J. Brown '76, Mary Tripp Chenoweth '40, Robert VanHeuvelen 72, Sandra Casber Wise '69, Robert A. Howe '83, John Mishler III '72, Donald Vitz '69, Brian Berkopec '91, Don Wortman '51, Paul Smyke '85, Peter Fenn '70, Solveig Berg '89 and Laura Willson '91. Below: Student activists during the 1964 presidential race.

91 VOTERS DIDN'T VOTE GOVERN

his is the age of political cyni- cially popular—does anyone still believe the cliche ^ cism. Nearly every measure o( that one person can make a difference? 'As a professor and public opinion finds Americans For Macalester alumni who work in government profoundly distrustful of their and politics in the nation's capital, that's a rhetori- scholar, I have government and the whole political question. None has held elective office (with cal process. A 1991 Gallup Poll one prominent exception). But in a variety of attempted reported that public confidence in both Congress ways, small and large, many have left a mark on and the Supreme Court was at an all-time low. the nation's public policies. For example: for nearly 40 years Some 44 percent of the American people think all candidates for public office are corrupt (34 percent • Don Wortman '51 played a key role in setting to encourage people say honest), according to a recent New York up Head Start, the educational program for disad- Times/CBS News Poll. Cynicism feeds and is fed vantaged pre-school children, while working in to become by apathy: Only 50.1 percent of the voting-age President Johnson's War on Poverty in 1965 (see population bothered to vote in the 1988 presiden- page 11). Now greatly expanded, Head Start is actively involved tial election — the lowest percentage in at least 60 universally praised for its success in preparing mil- years. Even many politicians express their disillu- lions of children for kindergarten, and for success in politics.' sionment. "The system, the government, this in later life. country, have become fundamentally flawed," de- • Peter H. Fenn '70 worked with Sen. Frank — G. Theodore Mitau clared Sen. Warren B. Rudman, R-N.H. He Church of Idaho to help older people of modest joined six other senators and more than 45 repre- means whose assets consist largely of the equity in sentatives (some tarnished by bouncing checks) their homes. The resulting tax reform, which con- who quit rather than seek re-election this year. tinues to benefit millions of Americans 55 and At a time when journalists compete for the older, gives them a once-in-a-lifetime exemption gloomiest metaphor to describe the American po- from paying capital gains on the sale of their litical system—"paralysis" and "gridlock" are espe- homes. • Leah Wortham 70, as an aide to Rep. Eliz- Jon Halvorsen is managing editor abeth Holtzman, D-N.Y., in the mid-1970s, re- of Macalester Today. wrote the rules of evidence for federal courts NOVEMBER 1992 concerning a rape victim's prior sexual history. The rules, designed to give more protection to rape victims by placing limits on the admissihility of such evidence, have served as a model for many states. • Because of Betsy J. Rosen '85, who brought their plight to the attention of a South Dakota senator, American Indian tribes were included in Betsy Rosen '85 worked for federal aid to drought-stricken areas in the West. a Minnesota congressman and South Dakota senator • Thomas L. Adams '85, as a staff member for a before joining a Washington Florida congressman, helped bring about a law to lobbying and consulting firm. protect the coral reefs in the Florida Keys.

Peter Fenn '70, a political media consultant: He seeks to "elect people I believe in and help mold the public debate.'*

Mitau and Humphrey made a dynamic duo. In and out of the classroom, they inspired innumer- able Macalester students — including a fellow named Walter F. Mondale '50 — to go into politics or government. (Among current faculty members, Chuck Green is often credited by other alums for • Last year, Patrick L. Dober '85 shepherded their interest in politics.) legislation through Congress that establishes an fter losing the 1968 presidential elec- 'I walk out and important national housing program. It requires tion, Humphrey returned to Macales- property owned by failed banks and S&L's to be ter to teach in 1969, bringing three I'm wearing a suit. sold to low- and moderate-income people. staff members with him. Listening to AHumphrey and his aides, Wise saw that "politics The students look • Sandra Casber Wise '69, staff director of the wasn't just a job, it was a life. I got the sense that I House Ways and Means Committee's Social Secu- could take the things I believed and work at them, like protesters. rity Subcommittee, takes pride in what she's pre- rather than doing a 9 to 5 job. I had never been vented: the drastic cuts in Social Security and involved in politics before." Mitau indirectly influ- They're probably Medicare that were proposed by the Reagan ad- enced her to add law school to her resume. In a ministration throughout the 1980s. pre-women's movement era, "he was encouraging looking at me like Political activism is, of course, a Macalester tra- to women as well as to men." dition. "Get into politics, regardless of party," a Robin H. Carle '77, another Humphrey admirer, I'm some old bat' political science professor, Hubert H. Humphrey, was drawn to Macalester partly because "the school urged Macalester students in the early 1940s, be- had such a strong political thread to it." Like — Betsy Rosen fore winning his first election. Another legendary Wise, she's found a rewarding life in politics—as a political science professor, G. Theodore Mitau '40, Republican who helped elect Ronald Reagan and reflected in 1978, near the end of his life: "As a George Bush. Carle now holds an important post professor and scholar, I have attempted for nearly in President Bush's administration (see page 14). 40 years to encourage people to become actively To many Americans, it may seem government is involved in politics, and to include in their public gridlocked and ineffectual. That's not how it looks service careers a deep concern for justice, for peace to those who have worked from within. and for human liberties...." Wortham, who was drawn to Washington in 1975 partly because she had so many Macalester friends there, says the legislative process in Con- 10 MACALESTER TODAY Mitau's legacy: A 'good citizen' makes a mark When Alison Morris '86 went looking for a job more ideological Reaganites. He was 53, in his in the nation's capital, she knew where to be- professional prime. "I can't recall any period in gin: "I heard from a classmate of mine that Don my federal life, even when I was working unbe- Wortman ['51] was the person to talk to." lievably long hours, that 1 was as emotionally Wortman did more than talk to Morris — he upset and worried about the public service and helped hire her as a researcher at the National my colleagues in government. Plus, I was dis- Academy of Public Administration, where he is mayed that I had to leave my public career ear- vice president. In all, six Macalester alums have lier than 1 wanted to. For six months, I was recently worked for or served as fellows of really in the dumps." NAPA, a nonprofit research institution char- But he bounced back. "That's what healthy tered by Congress to assist government on all people do, don't they?" he laughs. "I even 'As a civil servant levels with problems of public administration. wrote articles; thank God I never had them Wortman joined NAPA 10 years ago. Before published. But part of that was my disdain for and as a patriot, that, the native of Lakota, Iowa — inspired by Reagan and the people he brought in." Ted Mitau to be a "good citizen" and enter gov- Looking back, Wortman says that, like many you cannot help ernment—spent 27 years working for the fed- of his contemporaries who arrived in Washing- eral government, a career distinguished for both ton as youthful idealists, he is "a little more but have some rush its scope and its depth. cautious about thinking that there are easy solu- Starting as a management intern with the tions" to some of the nation's problems. The of emotion when Atomic Energy Commission in 1954, Wortman War on Poverty, although it launched several worked his way through the federal alphabet, programs of lasting benefit, failed to make you go to the from OEO to HEW to CIA, among other agen- much of an impact on poverty. cies. In 1965, he joined Sargent Shriver at the Yet he believes government can make a dif- White House.' Office of Economic Opportunity, where he ference. True to the country's democratic tradi- helped launch Head Start, Upward Bound, the tions, Americans routinely express skepticism — Don Wortman Community Action Program and other weapons in President Johnson's War on Poverty. Under President Nixon, Wortman was enlisted in the fight to control inflation. As director of opera- tions for the Price Commission, Wortman was the official whose signature was needed when- ever a corporation wanted to raise prices. During President Ford's administration, he played a major role in resettling 60,000 Viet- namese refugees in the U.S., earning a presidential citation for his work. Later, as a respected senior executive who had worked for both Democrats and Republicans, he was ap- pointed to high-ranking jobs in other agencies, including acting commissioner of Social Secu- rity. He ended his government career as a deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency. A frequent visitor to the White House, a participant in setting national policy, a close associate of powerful figures like Shriver, Frank Carlucci and Cap Weinberger, Wortman experienced Washington from the inside. "As a civil about "big government" in national polls, he Don Wortman '51 worked servant and as a patriot, you cannot help but says. "But when you ask people, in more sophis- for the CIA, OEO, HEW have some rush of emotion when you go to the ticated polling, what do you think about the and other agencies during White House." But he cautions that reaching high National Institutes of Health? The Centers for his 27-year federal career. He is now vice president of positions in Washington can be "a power trip— Disease Control? The FBI? The National Park the National Academy of you've got to watch it. You could end up being Service? and all those old-line agencies, then Public Administration. a manipulative person rather than one genuinely you get quite a different response." concerned about what's best for our country." Given the country's problems, "the federal Wortman also experienced Washington's un- government needs highly talented and idealistic fairness. Despite his wealth of bipartisan experi- people like the type Macalester produces," ence, Wortman's government career came to an Wortman says. "There should be no reduction abrupt end following Ronald Reagan's election in the stream of people who come to Washing- in 1980. Although he had never contributed to ton from Macalester, because this nation needs a political party or attended partisan political them. If you work hard, it can be extremely re- events, Wortman was not pure enough for the warding and fulfilling and exciting." —J.H.

NOVEMBER 1992 11 gress "is more permeable than people think." Now a nonprofit research institution chartered by associate dean of Columbus School of Law at The Congress. Catholic University of America in Washington, For all the excitement and glamor of Washing- Wortham says, "There are some things that are ton, many Macalester alums pass along a rule of very hard to affect. There are other things that life that seems especially helpful in the capital: S I fault not only aren't hard, if you know how to do it. You can Don't take yourself too seriously. Adams, an aide really have an impact." to Rep. Dante Fascell, D-Fla., notes that a local Reagan and Bush Dober agrees. He had been on Capitol Hill less bank advertises itself as "the most important bank, than a year, working for Rep. Barney Frank, the most important city, with the most important but Carter, too. D-Mass., when he guided the affordable-housing money." Adams and his colleagues came up with a bill through Congress. Given the popular percep- mock ad: "Washington — the most self-important They did a cynical, tion of Congress as "a place o\ inertia, self-interest town with the most self-important people with the and pork-barrel spending," Dober was surprised to most self-important jobs." expedient tiling in be involved in such "a major and hopeful A lot of Democrats who wish to become impor- program." tant, or at least win important jobs, turn to Fenn. saying government Not everyone has an immediate impact, of A Washington-based political media consultant, course. Newcomers to Washington usually do a lot he has advised more than 100 Democratic candi- was the problem/ of menial work. Rosen, now deputy director of re- dates for governor, U.S. Senate and House, and search for a Washington lobbying/consulting firm, other offices in 45 states in the past decade. CBS — Leah Worth am The Duberstein Group, spent countless hours writ- News has interviewed him, the New York Times ing form letters and folding envelopes when she quoted him on its front page, the Rev. Jerry Fal- began working for a Minnesota congressman. "You well debated him on a national TV program hosted by Mike Wallace. "If you let this stuff go to your head—that you're always going to be in these situations or that you're such a brilliant, terrific, wonderful person—you've got another think coming," Fenn says. "You can work hard, you can do all the things you would do in a normal job. But who you

Tom Adams '85 with his think, 'I went through four years of college and I'm boss, Florida Congressman doing this?' " Dante Fascell. Adams What Macalester did, however, was make her a worked on legislation to quick study, able to research an issue overnight protect coral reefs in the Florida Keys. and speak or write knowledgeably about it the next day. "It's like the test you forgot to study for until the night before," Rosen says. Alison Morris '86, who works for the National Academy of Public Administration in Washington, says Macalester produces "all these great generalists who know how to write and can do analytical work. Which is exactly the kind of people they need here" at NAPA,

Sandra Casber Wise '69, staff director of a congressional subcommittee: "Unlike many people these days, I'm still willing to say I'm a liberal." 12 MACALESTER TODAY Carter, too. They all ran against the government. They did a cynical, expedient thing in saying government was the problem. Government isn't the problem—government is a tool to serve the people.... There's been a real vacuum of leadership, of a sense that we should be trying to do something about the problems of the country." "You need a strong government and a strong private sector, too. There's a symbiotic relationship between them," says Carole Marolt Neves '66, who has a Ph.D. in public policy and administration. She researches public policy issues and directs studies in her job at the National Academy of Pub- lic Administration. "The government does many things as well as or better than the private sector. Leah Wortham '70, now Just look at Social Security or the national high- associate dean of a law school in Washington, once way transportation system." worked as an aide to a New "We need some leaders with vision," says Fenn. York congress woman: "You As a Macalester student, he led protests against the can really have an impact."

Patrick Dober '85: Less than a year after going to work for Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Dober guided a major housing bill through Congress. are is often where you sit. Washington can be a very tough town." It was a fact of life Fenn already knew but learned all over again when Frank Church lost his 1980 re-election bid. As campaign manager, Fenn took it hard. "Those people who invited you to parties or returned your phone calls in five minutes Vietnam War and a political system that permitted when you were chief of staff to the chairman of the it. "Now, it's funny, because I'm part of the system ' Who you are is Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the moment myself, I suppose. And some would say that I, as a that he lost—funny how they weren't around." media consultant, am part of the problem, though often where you sit. I couldn't do what I'm doing if I felt I was. My be- hose who have seen the federal gov- lief is that I can be very helpful in electing people I Washington ernment from the inside tend to re- believe in and helping mold the public debate." A ject the anti-Washington rhetoric year ago, Fenn and a few other political consul- can be a very that's always been at least an under- tants met with more than 20 Democratic senators currenrt of American politics but is especially in to discuss the politics of health care reform. Fenn tough town.' vogue now. They contend that Congress is simply urged the senators to seize the leadership on the is- a microcosm of the country—America at its best sue. He argued that the American people were al- — Peter Fenn and its worst. The seeming paralysis at the top is a ready ahead of Congress on the issue, and that reflection, in part, of how divisive and intractable health care reform made not only good sense but many of the nation's problems have become. The good politics. failures of government, many believe, stem from Going to Washington with the hope of changing the failures of political leadership—by both things, alums find that Washington — and experi- parties. ence— changes them, too. Rosen still calls herself "The president sets the parameters of the de- "a liberal Democrat," even though, or rather be- bate, the tone of the country," says Wortham. cause, the term has gone out of favor. But she is "a "And here I fault not only Reagan and Bush but

NOVEMBER 1992 13 Humphrey's legacy includes Republicans, too

Ask Robin H. Carle '77 to name her political Carle met Humphrey twice, and admired his heroes and the first one she mentions is Hubert commitment, leadership and compassion. Robin Carle '77 at home in Humphrey, the liberal Democrat of his time. "Now, my cynicism kicks in, and I will tell you Washington: A longtime "He truly was one of the reasons 1 went to Mac- that he was a great politician because he looked Republican Party official, alester," she says. you right in the eye and you felt you were the she is now chief of staff to President Bush's Yet ever since college, Carle, who grew up in only person in the room. Then," she continues, secretary of Health and Idaho, has worked in Republican Party politics, laughing, "I wasn't as cynical as I am now, and Human Services. eventually rising to chief of staff oi the Republi- I will tell you that it was a wonderful experience because he looked you right in the eye and you felt you were the only person in the room." At Macalester, English Professor Patricia L. Kane '47 was a big influence. "1 think she was very secure in herself and she gave me a lot of encouragement and support that, quite frankly, I didn't find in a lot of other professors I had.... She was a very strong woman, and she made me cognizant that you have a responsibility to those who come after you. I've been the first woman chief of staff twice now at the organizations where I've worked, and I always have a double-edged feeling about that. On the one hand, it obviously makes me proud that I've gotten someplace. But on the other hand ... it's sort of depressing that I'm still on some cutting edge and it's 1992." Although a political veteran, Carle is a new- comer to government. Before she assumed her current post, her previous government experience was a couple of years as executive secretary at Health and Human Services. She believes Ronald Reagan deserves credit for reducing the burden of the federal government on individuals. "There is a role for government," she says, "and I think Republicans — Ronald Reagan included— believe that. The question is how much of a role." At HHS, "we see lots of bad things," she says. But the department also oversees the Na- 'It's sort of can National Committee. Last April, she be- tional Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug came chief of staff to Louis Sullivan, President Administration, the Centers for Disease Con- depressing that Bush's secretary of Health and Human Services. trol in Atlanta. "So there are some really won- As a "moderate to conservative" Republican derful, forward-looking research things going I'm still on some who believes in less government, she finds her- on, too, that balance it out. And hopefully, self the No. 2 person in a federal bureaucracy people are in this to make it a little better cutting edge and with a $5.5 billion budget and 115,000 em- world. I've been rather fortunate because nine ployees that touches the life of every American times out of 10 my work is real rewarding that it's 1992.' in some way. way. I don't have to find some other place to Such are the paradoxes of a life in politics. give back to my community." —].H. — Robin Carle

lot more willing to compromise now, work some- tion. "I walk out and I'm wearing a suit. They look thing out, instead of saying, 'Here's my position, like protesters, which is exactly what they are. I I'm not going to budge.' " She recalls a day in look at them, thinking it was just yesterday that I 1989 when she was working for Sen. Thomas was at Macalester. They're probably looking at me Daschle, D-S.D. A secretary asked Rosen if she like I'm some old bat." Although Rosen privately wanted to meet 10 Macalester students who were shared the students' views in favor of abortion waiting in the senator's lobby. As it turned out, rights and was pleased to see Macalester students they were there to protest Daschle's views on abor- standing up for their beliefs, she couldn't condemn Daschle "just because of one issue."

14 MACALESTER TODAY tial— even critical — role, none would argue that government can or should do everything. "There are some real problems now with being an old 1960s and '70s liberal Democrat," says Fenn, whose family moved from Boston to Wash- ington when he was 13 so his father could take a 'I'm glad to see job as a White House aide to President John F. Kennedy. "The fact is, many of the government that nearly a programs that we put into force did not work. Many ot the concepts of helping the poor have not critical mass worked. Many of the approaches have been conde- scending and patronizing. Liberals—some liberals of thoughtful — lack a sense of toughness." On a number of issues—crime and welfare assis- Democrats and tance, for example — Wortman, Fenn and Dober argue that society has a right to insist on a measure liberals are of individual responsibility. While they believe it is government's obligation to help the disadvantaged, challenging liberal they also share what has long been regarded as Re- publican property: a belief in a strong free enter- orthodoxy.' prise system. "I'm glad to see that nearly a critical mass of — Patrick Dober thoughtful Democrats and liberals are challenging liberal orthodoxy," says Dober, who has a master's

Alison Morris '86 says the National Academy of Public Administration needs the kind of people who come out of Macalester: "great generalists who know how to write and can do analytical work."

Wise has worked on Capitol Hill since 1975 (she married Rep. Bob Wise, D-W.Va., in 1984). "Unlike many people these days, I'm still willing to say I'm a liberal," she says. Yet because her work with the Social Security Subcommittee has made her all too familiar with the constraints of the federal budget, she acknowledges that she has become, in one sense, more conservative. "In terms of Social Security and Medicare benefits, very often my focus has to be whether something that one would like to do is affordable." Although that can be frustrating, "I, for one, don't feel defeated at all. I'm going to try to do as much as I can in areas degree from Harvard's Kennedy School of Govern- Carole Marolt Neves '66, that are important to improving people's lives." ment. "That's what's really going to lead us to who also works at NAPA, break both the policy logjam, on the one hand, has a Ph.D. in public policy and Democrats getting shut out of the White and administration: "The or other alums, time has brought about government does many a sea change in their political views. House, on the other hand." things as well as or better Wortman, Fenn and Dober, each from a If it's true that one person can make a differ- than the private sector." different generation, would all once ence, perhaps a corollary applies: In the long run, Fhave fit into the neat and simple category of people in a democratic society get the government "liberal Democrat." Long an honorable term — they deserve. the one Walter Mondale and Hubert Humphrey "Don't you think we all share responsibility?" used to describe themselves—it is now widely asks Carle. "Nobody votes.... People sort of want perceived as a political handicap at worst or it to be done for them." Turning hopeful, she says, irrelevant at best. Wortman, Fenn and Dober all "Maybe people are so fed up that they'll have to do remain Democrats, but with a difference. While something. People have to re-engage." • they believe the federal government plays an essen- NOVEMBER 1992 15 Hildegard Johnson built a path for geography bv Jon Halvorsen ildegard Binder Johnson, who foun- son, a University of Minnesota professor whom she ded Macalester's Geography Depart- had met in London. ment and then put it on the map, Partly because the university would not hire fac- always warmed to her subject. Geog- ulty wives, Johnson's career didn't begin in earnest Hraphy teachers, she wrote in 1967, must "take a until 1947, when the mother of two young daugh- stand for the glory that is geography." ters wrote Macalester President Charles J. Turck, Twenty-five years later, the professor emeritus offering to teach geography and modern European would like to rewrite her declaration. "That sounds history. "1 had never seen Macalester when I wrote a little bit — bombastic?" she said. "I wouldn't say him. I was so absolutely taken by Macalester and Htldegard Johnson that today. I would say, 'for the necessity that is Turck because or the United Nations flag. I was honored last June geography.' " Recent world events, such as the thought that was fantastic." with the dedication of a breakup of the Soviet Union, have "made geogra- That fall, she began teaching geography, two seminar room in her name. phy a pretty necessary subject. I can hardly wait to courses a semester for $1,500 a year. For an intro- ductory course, she took her students outside to Macalester Street and posed a question: Are the trees here naturally grown or are they planted? "I liked to see their faces. 'My God, she's gone crazy.' They expected something much different. It took, on the average, five to 10 minutes until I got it out of them why they thought the trees were planted. [They were] the same kind of trees, a straight line, regular distances apart, same age. In other words, you had [several] factors which re- vealed some human intervention, right?" She sought to make her students "approach the environment with thought, with curiosity." Johnson's conservation field courses became legendary. "When you teach geography, by golly, you get the kids out into the open! It's good, old- fashioned, German geography teaching." For her first overnight field trip, she took 22 students — all of them GIs — to Whitewater State Park in south- ern Minnesota. Johnson herself had to stay alone in a cabin designed for four people. "I begged women to come, but none would." During her 28 years at Macalester, Johnson taught her students respect for the land and con- get a new globe; the one that I have is really of no cern for natural resources, and her subject grew in 'When you teach use anymore." importance. In the mid-1960s, geography became a Like her friends, G. Theodore Mitau and Yahya major and the department moved from a temporary geography, by golly, Armajani, two other celebrated professors who also office in the gym to—at Johnson's repeated insis- grew up overseas and joined the faculty in the tence— "the whole first floor" of Carnegie Science you get the kids out 1940s, Johnson enriched Macalester with her Hall. Geography now has three tenure-track, full- scholarship, teaching and wider view oi the world. time positions and several part-time positions, and into the open!' Retired since 1975, she lives alone (her husband last May graduated 15 students who earned majors, died in 1960) in a comfortable apartment near the cores or minors. Last June, Johnson returned to Mississippi. Now 84, she is physically frail but Carnegie for the dedication of the department's speaks with passion, in her distinct German ac- newly refurbished seminar room in her name. cent, on a host of topics. Although pleased by the attention, she wishes Hildegard Binder left her native Germany in Macalester would remember other faculty members 1934, the year after Hitler came to power. She was of her era, particularly women like Georgiana Pal- 26, with a Ph.D. in history and geography trom mer, Anne Blegen and Borghild Sundheim, to the University of Berlin. "1 always had a lot of Jew- name a few. "I want to put in a plug," Johnson ish friends — that was one thing. I left because I said, "for the women who carried this college didn't want to be where Hitler was." After teach- through and who never got much ing at a girls' school in England, she came to the recognition." • U.S. in 1935 and taught at Mills College in Cali- fornia. The next year she married Palmer O. John-

16 MACALESTER TODAY Who Should Apply

The college's Macalester?dean of admissions offers guidelines to help parents — especially alumni — who are planning for their children's education

by William M. Shain s Macalester has returned to the arship, with curiosity, creativity, tenacity and level of admissions selectivity we other intellectual qualities indicating that they are experienced two decades ago, well matched to the lively give-and-take of the I've encountered from alumni a Macalester classroom. And when we must choose lot of uncertainty about the ad- among students who are otherwise similarly tal- missions process in general. Be- ented, contributions to school and community ac- causAe we value highly our connections with alumni tivities may decide whose application is stronger. families, we welcome their questions about the ad- It is clear in the college's new strategic plan — as missions process or anything else we do at it has been for about two decades—that Macales- Macalester. ter does not intend to grow in enrollment. This The media have done a great deal to obscure ensures continuation of the intimacy which has how college admissions works at selective colleges long characterized a Macalester education. When Top left: Monica like Macalester. Surveys like the one by U.S. News the college stays the same size and applications Scandlen '93 (Sri Lanka) & World Report make the process seem much more grow, it is inevitable that we must deny admission and Dameun Strange '95 statistical than it really is. In fact, selective college to many qualified candidates in a given year. (Washington, D.C.). admissions is a holistic discipline. We do look at Macalester has — and has always had—an ex- Left: Bach Lien Payson numbers. But we also look at three recommenda- traordinary student body. In the Admissions Of- '95 (Mesa, Ariz.), daughter of Huong tions, two writing samples and a wide range of fice, we are bringing together on campus the Norton Payson '69. other factors. community that Macalester wants, in keeping with Above: Christopher Of course, we are looking for able students. But the college's traditions. That means, for instance, Schiffer '96 (Marietta, beyond that, we seek students with a love of schol- that we have a multicultural presence, an interna- Ga.), son of Gail tional presence and a "legacy" presence (that is, Beresford Schiffer '66. the children or grandchildren of Macalester alums) On page 18: Anne Johnson '96 (Great Falls, William M. Shain has been dean of admissions at which we cherish. Not all colleges share all of Va.), daughter of Macalester since 1980. A native of New York City, he these commitments. Michael J. Johnson '63 received an A. B. in history from Princeton and a law Macalester continues to have a philosophy of and Susan Lundberg degree from Columbia. Before coming to Macalester, looking broadly at applications, and each year we Johnson '64. he was the social studies chairman at Cold Spring Har- find students who have a special quality that goes bor (N.Y.) Junior'Senior High School and served as an beyond the numbers. Each year, at least a few stu- admissions officer at Princeton. NOVEMBER 1992 17 dents with modest academic records are accepted work — strong semesters in the spring of junior year into the entering class because they bring some- and the fall of senior year. thing else valuable to the community. Our own sense of fairness means that we would But it's important tor alumni families and others not turn down a student with straight A's to make to view admissions with realism, and ensure that room tor an alumni child with B's and C's. On the their children investigate a broad range of appro- other hand, if one student has straight B-pluses priate college choices. and an alumni child has straight B's, those cases Starting in 1987, applications to Macalester rose are close enough that in comparing the files we sharply and the college became dramatically more may find a lot of reasons why we would prefer to selective, turning down many more candidates. In offer admission to the alumni child. the last six years — among the most selective in the history of Macalester—we have admitted first-year • If you look at the middle 50 percent of each students at a rate between 50 and 57 percent of the entering class at Macalester, you will find SAT total applicants. It's important to note that during scores on each test between 550 and 680, and an ACT composite between 27 and 30 or 31. If a stu- Admissions this period, Macalester alumni children have fared significantly better, by design, being offered admis- dent's testing falls in the bottom quarter of our en- sion at a rate between 67 and 82 percent. tering class, that is often a liability in the research shows admissions process; if a student is in the top quar- radition, of course, adds depth and ter, that is usually a strength, assuming his or her that high school richness to any institution. Children of grades are solid. I would particularly welcome a Macalester families can provide conti- chance to talk with families and children of alumni grades are the T nuity of the college's historic strengths. who are concerned about testing. It would be rela- Their presence on campus helps to keep their fami- tively rare that we turn down an alumni/alumna best predictor lies and communities in close touch with today's child with strong grades — meaning more A's than Macalester. Loyal and enthusiastic alumni are in- B's — and a challenging curriculum, regardless of of how a student dispensable to any college, and the presence of the test scores. child ot a graduate — or the child ot a classmate — will do in college. does much to keep alumni connected to the college. • Our catalog conveys to students the recom- Although we are still admitting a large majority mendations of Macalester's faculty that in high So the transcript of legacy candidates who apply, fairness to the ap- school they should take four years of English and plicant pool as a whole means we must deny admis- three years each of math, science, social science is the single most sion to some alumni children who could probably and a single foreign language. That's a good pre- succeed here. On the other hand, we admit trans- scription tor everybody, because most selective col- important part of fer students in higher numbers than most other leges look for that. In addition, we expect students highly selective institutions. So if the child or to take at least some of the honors or accelerated our process. grandchild of an alumnus/alumna is not admitted work available at their high school. but does well at another college, there is a very good chance he or she can transfer to Macalester. z r

For the past decade, the number of applications My answer is an unequivocal "Yes." A detailed to Macalester from alumni children has been response would require a conversation with pretty constant: usually 40 to 55 each year. We alumni families about what they value most. would like to see more alumni children apply. But briefly: What goes on in the classroom and Typically, there seem to he three reasons why in student and faculty research here is extraor- they don't. dinary; our strong traditions of international- First, the most frequently cited reason for ism, service and ethical awareness are alumni children who live in the Twin Cities distinctive, even in the context of the other top area is that they want to "go away" to college. colleges; our urban location is both extremely It may be worth considering, however, that stu- pleasant and culturally rich; and we have finan- dents are indeed away from home when they at- cial resources to maintain and strengthen this tend Macalester. At 2 a.m. in a residence hall, college that virtually no other colleges in our a student may be talking to people from eight class have. The Admissions Office annually states and five countries—a breadth of perspec- hosts visits by groups of college counselors from tive that's probably greater than might be found around the country, and their response to Mac- at schools farther from home. And for students alester— after visiting hundreds of campuses— from Hennepin County, the St. Paul side of the is typically inspiring because they remind us Dean of Admissions Mississippi is usually as "new" as any other city how good we are. —William M. Shain William M. Shain they may visit! Second, alumni often tell me, "I couldn't get into Macalester now," and 1 fear they may discourage their children from applying based on this perception. It is true that admission to Macalester is very competitive. Still, each year I hear from a number of new students (both children of alumni and others) that "My parents said I could never get into Macalester." If a student has done well during junior and senior year and responds to Macalester's strong traditions of internationalism, multiculturalism and service, I'd hope that Macalester would be a school he or she would investigate seriously. Third, some alumni may wonder, "Is Mac- alester as good as the nation's best colleges?"

tions to traditional school clubs and activities as From the outside, it often looks to people as if well as anything which shows a concern for help- we do whatever we want. In theory, as dean of ad- ing other people. missions, I have the power to say "Yes" to anybody I choose. But in practice, there are very real limits • I want to emphasize as well that we take inter- — because I know to whom we have said "No," collegiate athletic competition seriously and ac- and because I believe that our process must be as tively seek students with strong ability in those fair as we can make it. At any level of selectivity, sports in which Macalester fields varsity teams. some students must be denied admission, and all of Similarly, significant achievement in debate, mu- us in Macalester admissions always find this pain- sic, theater—to name just a few other areas — ful. Half of us in the Admissions Office at Macales- strengthens an application. My advice to all stu- ter are former high school teachers; we went into dents is that their extracurricular involvement the admissions field because we like working with should begin before senior year, preferably in ninth 17-year-olds. or 10th grade. I also suggest that students focus Our office enjoys providing alumni and their their efforts on the two or three things they like children with advice on how to prepare for college and do well, rather than build a resume with a — whether they consider Macalester or not—and dozen activities. with general college admissions counseling. We do • We are often asked in admissions how much not have the background to tell a student what spe- we value employment. We certainly take into con- cific colleges to look at. However, we can help stu- sideration the time students spend on a job. How- dents figure out themselves what institutions they ever, in the Macalester tradition, what we value should consider. A good time for these dialogues is most is doing things for other people. So if a stu- before the end of the student's sophomore year in dent is working to buy a stereo, as opposed to vol- high school, but we will be happy to talk with unteering in a day care center, both would be alumni or alumni children at any time. • valuable, but the latter would carry more weight in our admissions evaluations. NOVEMBER 19 The Glass Three students who serve as mentors to international of students led discussions mm Scholars, activists, during the diversity workshop. Left photo (clockwise from top left): athletes, artists — Rajiev Mareachealee '96 (Mauritius), Monica Photos on these pages were taken during '96: Scandlen '93 (Sri Lanka, a orientation events for new students. Top: mentor), Matthias Zinn '95 Abraham Wheeler '96 (Winnebago, III.), left, and individuals (Greenfield, Mass., a learns how to serve a volleyball from Carey mentor), Dameun Strange Levitt '96 (Medfield, Mass.) and Paul B. '95 (Washington, D.C.). Anderson '96 (Mountain View, Calif.). Sophia Kim '94 (Blaine, Right: Cristina Sandoval '95 (Denver, Minn., a mentor), Patrik Colo.), left, and Chiwoniso Gurira '96 Muzila '96 (Czechoslovakia) (Zimbabwe) talk about their different and Raphael Casaes '96 backgrounds during a workshop on cultural AK (Brazil). Below: Engrossed diversity. Below: Elizabeth Turner '96 (St. 0 in conversation are (from Joseph, Mo.), left, gets a little help from her left) Lakshmi Muirhead '96 mother, Barbara Turner, as she moves into (Bloomington, III-). Heidi Dupre Residence Hall. Mueller '96 (Wausau, Wis.) and Jo Anna Villone '96 (Chevy Chase, Md.).

WA 10 MT ND 1 7 OR 13 ID SD 2 0 WY 2 NE NV 9 0 Applications UT 2,741 (from all 50 states except Nev- CA 1 CO ada and 74 other nations), a record 19 9 high (surpassing previous record, set in 1988, by 15.7 percent) New full-time students 476, largest entering class since 1989 AZ 2 NM Admission rate 53.1 percent, fourth lowest in Mac- 2 alester history HI National Merit Scholars 1 LA 49, second highest total in 20 years TX 6 (and likely to ensure that Macalester The Class of '96 comprises students from 46 of the 50 states, 13 continues to rank second among all and the numbers from each are shown here. New international FL students come from 49 nations, a record high. U.S. undergraduate liberal arts colleges 4 in number of National Merit Scholars enrolled)

20 MACALESTER TODAY NOVEMBER 1992 21 New international students 47 (5 short of 1991 record); 67 (from a record-high 49 nations) counting U.S. permanent residents and dual citizens, or 13 percent of first-years and transfers

Remembering Timothy The most courageous member of the Class of '96 may have been Timothy W. Strickler of Villanova, Pa. Tim was diagnosed with leukemia in 1987 and received a bone marrow transplant in 1988. He suffered a recurrence last May. In June, while undergoing chemotherapy, he left the hospital to attend graduation at Radnor High School. He received his school's award Sharing their experiences U.S. students of color during the diversity for courage, friendliness and his love of his 79, or 18 percent of U.S. first-year students, far high school, as well as two standing ovations. workshop are Okunola surpassing previous record set in 1983 Jeyifous '95 (Nigeria), left, Tim, who had been admitted to Macalester and Andrew Magill '94 • 23 African-American and kept a Macalester pennant on the wall of (Milwaukee, Wis.) • 30 Latino his hospital room, died July 23 at the age of • 5 Native-American 18. He was buried wearing a Macalester • 21 Asian-American T-shirt and cap. Scholar-athletes "While you never had the chance to meet 102, highest number in years (98 students served as Tim, I hope his memory stays with you captain of a varsity sport) throughout your years on campus," William M. Shain, dean of admissions, told the Class Gender of '96 in his welcoming remarks. "His courage, 54 percent female unfailing good humor and loyalty are worthy By region (probably most geographically balanced models for us all." class Macalester has ever enrolled) • 47 percent from Midwest • 12 percent from Mid-Atlantic • 10 percent from New England • 9 percent from Far West • 7 percent from South • 7 percent from Southwest/Rockies • 9 percent from overseas

Forming a semi-circle for a discussion in the gym are, from left, Monica Scandlen '93 (Sri Lanka), Matthias Zinn '95 (Greenfield, Mass.), Patrik Muzila '96 (Czechoslovakia), Rajicv Marcachealce '96 (Mauritius), Heather Cox'96 (Brazil) and Anna Raselius'93 (Sweden). 22 MACALESTER TODAY One of a kind Special talents Members of the class have also: • 24 pianists, 20 guitarists, 12 violinists • created illuminated manuscripts • 13 leaders of school theater groups • helped run a school forest • 12 captains in speech and debate • served as assistant zoo keeper • 5 disc jockeys • had a story published in Seventeen magazine • 3 playwrights • been offered a performance role with Disney • 3 who have written novels on Ice • 2 composers • translated "Monty Python" into Latin • 2 cartoonists • played professional percussion in a prominent • 1 unicyclist Twin Cities band • 1 juggler • been a Ninja turtle in a 20th Century Fox • 1 clown production • 1 magician • 1 blacksmith

Admissions counselor Karen Dye, left, with two first-year students from Houston - Sofia Baca, center, and Laura Sanchez.

From Minnesota 19.5 percent, most in four years Community service (partial list) • 49 students founded or headed a compassionate organization • 43 worked to combat hunger and homelessness • 42 worked for Amnesty International • 42 worked for environmental causes • 10 or more worked to stop drunk driving, promote racial understanding or took part in politics • 9 active in issues related to AIDS (40 percent of the class listed one or more commitments to some form of community service) Extracurricular activities • 19 student body presidents • 14 class presidents • 41 editors in chief of school publications • 24 attended Girls or Boys State • 12 presidents of National Honor Society chapters • 18 presidents of foreign language clubs •

Solveig Asgeirdottir '94 (Iceland), a transfer student, looks pensive as she and her roommate, Mary Frances Woerner '95 (Clear Lake, Iowa), listen.

NOVEMBER 1992 23 Giving Back

Ed Swanson and Jan Dickinson, good friends from the Class of '64, keep making new friends in other classes. At Macalester, 'volunteer' is spelled 'Dickinson' and 'Swanson'

Janice K. Dickinson '64 and Edward Dickinson, a staff member at Macales- is involved in the church's oral history Swanson '64 pitched in to help organize ter ever since graduation, is assistant to project. Swanson has served as president their class' 25th reunion. They were the director of the college's International of the Minnesota Library Association and there, too, for the Class of '66 and the Center. She and Swanson, principal cata- held numerous other offices. Last Decem- Class of '67- Plus the Class of '86 and '87. loger at the Minnesota Historical Society ber, he was one of only four members to And the Class of '68 and the Class of in St. Paul, donate untold hours to the be honored with an MLA Centennial '88 can count on them, starting this fall college. Both enjoy renewing old friend- Medal in recognition of his outstanding and continuing through their respective ships and making new ones during reu- service to the association. He is also a reunions June 4—6, 1993. nion planning. benefactor of St. Hugh's College at Ox- That's the thing about Dickinson and Both also volunteer in other ways, such ford University in England. Swanson: Macalester can count on them. as making calls and working behind the Of her work on reunions at Macalester, "They are top volunteers," says Karen scenes during the college's annual Pho- Dickinson says: "It makes me feel good — McConkey, director of the college's nathons. Dickinson is a member of the a feeling that I'm giving something back Alumni Office. "They've built up wonder- Heritage Society and a former class agent. to other classes. I've gotten a lot out of it ful relationships with other alumni and Swanson, who is also a member of the from faculty and staff I've worked with as have fun, creative ideas. They will tackle Heritage Society, has served as class agent well as alumni." anything and make it a success." since 1984. He also helped initiate the "I could never really put into words Dickinson and Swanson had such a re- Class of '64's extraordinary 25-year reu- what I felt about Mac 30 years ago," warding time preparing for their own class' nion gift to Macalester, setting a chal- Swanson says. "It was the right place for successful 25th reunion in 1989 that they lenge for other 25-year reunions. me at the time. I found it very warm and kept going. Since the fall of 1990, they Both lead active lives in other ways. accepting." Despite all the changes that have served as informal advisers and An avid theatergoer and fan of barbershop have taken place, "it is still a small liberal helpers to every class planning a 25-year quartets and choruses, Dickinson serves arts college that offers a great education. or five-year reunion. on the board of deacons for House of It's just a wonderful place." • Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul and

24 MACALESTER TODAY Macalester Yesterday by Robert Kerr still afire with debate.... "At 9:40, after more than four hours of ... and all the students it, the class finally adjourned, but not be- are above average fore Professor Humphrey had waggled an Humphrey's marathon exhorting finger at it. 'Get into politics,' Garrison Keillor broadcast his first "Prairie In the spring of 1944, Hubert Humphrey he pleaded, 'regardless of party. Take an Home Companion" radio show from Mac- presided over the longest classroom ses- interest in your local government. Get out alester's Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center sion in Macalester history, according to a and pitch for the best team. Don't just be on July 6, 1974. biographical sketch ot Humphrey in the peering from the bleachers.1 " The performers on stage outnumbered June 1948 issue ot Survey Graphic Humphrey won election as mayor ot the people in the audience for the initial magazine. Minneapolis the following year. broadcast over Minnesota Public Radio. Veteran Minneapolis newspaperman "Prairie Home Companion" eventually Bradley L. Morison wrote that Humphrey, became a national phenomenon with an a professor at Macalester in 1943-44 (and No food for thought estimated audience of 4 million listeners. again in 1969-70), "called his class in po- The Macalester student body came out of litical science to order late one afternoon, final exam week in 1938 over half a ton became involved in a discussion of Ameri- lighter, according to a study by the Bureau Free speech for racists? can fascism centering around John-Roy of Educational Surveys in New York City. A controversy played out in the pages of Carlson's book Under Cover, and skidded The bureau said a representative group the Mac Weekly in October and Novem- past the 5 o'clock bell right up to supper of students reported an average weight loss ber 1962 was sparked by a visit to Mac- time. ot two pounds. Multiplying two pounds by alester by American Nazi Party leader "At that point professor and students the 90 percent ot students who "engage in George Lincoln Rockwell. adjourned for a quick snack and reas- intensive study before and during exam- After addressing more than 1,000 stu- sembled at 6:40 to pick up the sizzling ar- ination periods," the bureau concluded dents at Carleton College, Rockwell gument. As the other lights in Old Main that Macalester students lost a total of spoke at a press conference Oct. 2 at Mac- blinked off, Humphrey's classroom was 1,158 pounds while cramming for finals. alester's International House which was open only to that year's World Press Insti- tute journalists and a reporter from the Mac Weekly. Rockwell discussed his political plans and his philosophy of white su- premacy. Initially, a group of students protested because most members of the Macalester community were excluded from the press conference. The faculty on the WPI Advisory Committee defended the decision, citing the difficulties posed by the last-minute decision to bring Rock- well to the campus. Subsequently, English Professor Ray Livingston questioned whether Rockwell should have been invited to speak at Mac- alester at all. "Is not Nazism an issue set- tled for all sane persons by the sufferings and deaths of millions?" he asked in a letter to the Mac Weekly. "... Would we profane in the name of free speech, education, or information, the privileges of the classroom by allowing a man to advocate rape and to distribute leaflets about his theories and practices?" Livingston's letter brought this response from psychology chair Paul G. Jenson: "Even the reprehensible must be afforded these rights [of free speech] lest the just and decent lose them, too Unless we want to make a mockery of academic freedom and freedom of speech, we have no alternative but to let all sides be heard and, in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson, trust an enlightened public to decide the A subject as big as all outdoors outcome." • In 1949, this summer school art course moved outside. Old Main was the subject of the students' drawings. At right is Marguerite Saufferer Mahoney '52, who now Robert Kerr '92 is a Jerome Fellow at the lives in Glendale, Ariz. A similar photo appeared in the 1950 Mac yearbook. Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis,

NOVEMBER 1992 25 Alumni News

Alumni and Macalester: From validation to participation to ownership by Jane Else Smith

Macalester's admissions staff seeks individ- cess is for Macalester's alumni to take uality in prospective students. As a result, ownership of the college. the college has a student body that is The "Alumni Soundings" program is made up of true individuals. A Macalester consistent with this vision of the Alumni education nurtures the ability to think for Association. The Alumni Soundings one's self, valuing one's individuality at all meetings, which began in the fall of 1991 times. and will continue into 1993, are part of As the student body values individual- Macalester's strategic planning process. ism, so the Alumni Association comprises They are designed to emphasize alumni true individuals. Individual alumni do not involvement in the college. At evening necessarily value thinking alike but enjoy gatherings throughout the country, col- the intellectual stimulation that they were lege officials invite alumni to share who offered as students. They now seek it in they are, what they value, their memories their lives after college. of Macalester, and their concerns and My vision of the function of the hopes for the college. Alumni Association is to validate each in- The views of alumni then become part dividual student and alum and his or her of the planning processes of both Macales- chosen journey in life, whatever that jour- Jane Else Smith ter and the Alumni Association. I and ney is. As the spiritual writer Henri five working committees of the Alumni other members of the Alumni Association Nouwen expressed it in his book Reaching Association board. The committees are: board look forward to learning from the Out: "Recognize the divine in each other. Clubs, Continuing Growth, Admissions/ Alumni Soundings meetings and to work- Then the ground between you is sacred." Student Life, Nominations and ing with alumni in other ways. Our ulti- To implement this vision, the Alumni Development. mate goal is to have the alumni of Association should serve as a support and With such validation, we may trust that Macalester take true, meaningful owner- networking organization for every student a desire to participate in Macalester's work ship o( the college. — past and present—from the moment — providing an excellent liberal arts edu- Jane Else Smith '67 of St. Paul became each steps foot on campus throughout his cation at the undergraduate level—will president of the Macalester Alumni Associa- or her life. Much of this support and net- develop in an increasing number of tion in June, succeeding Janet Rajala Nelson working activity is carried out through alumni. '72. Smith, who will serve until ]une 1994, alumni all over the world, acting through Just as validation will lead to participa- is a lawyer specializing in corporate and inter- tion, the third and final step of this pro- national law.

Support at 40 percent A record number of alumni supported the college during the fiscal year that ended May 31. A total of 6,569 or 40 percent of Mac- alester alumni contributed a record $659,397, surpassing the goal set at the beginning of the fiscal year. The figures represent a growth of 11 percent in alumni financial support (or $64,061) and a growth of 14 percent in the number of alumni donors — an addition of more than 800 new donors. The growth is attributed to a number of factors, including an increased awareness by alumni of the important role they play in the overall health of Macalester's fund- raising efforts, and increased contacts by Leadership Weekend draws a crowd students, staff and volunteers. Two new members of the Alumni Association board, James Bennett '69 of Seattle and Sara Floyd '93, a current student from Hanover Park, 111., chat at a reception in Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center during Leadership Weekend Sept. 18-20. The gathering brought to campus alumni volunteers from throughout the country.

26 MACALESTER TODAY Alumni News

overall image of Macalester (to that of a "jock" school, tor example). We are still the same people we were when we arrived in our first year; Mac has just given us the opportunity to participate and develop skills in areas that we may not have been comfortable in while attending high school. There is always room for improvement at any school. But the Macalester you attended and loved—and the one you want it to be — seems to be the same Mac I attended. Your Macalester is still here.

They're Great Scots Great Scots, a new series of programs for older alumni in the Twin Cities area, is drawing a strong response. Betty Haan '43 of St. Paul, who recently stepped down from the Alumni As- sociation board, said she and other organizers realized "there are a lot of alums in the area who are close to or past retirement age. We wanted to come up with special programs that would be of interest to them." The first two programs were held in Internationalism Bolivian-style February and March in Weyerhaeuser Hall Macalester alumni and friends from the Washington, D.C., area gathered last (the old library). They were hosted by April to celebrate internationalism at a party in the Bolivian Embassy. Brian Nancy Brown Kachel '55, a licensed social Berkopec '91, left, and President Gavin talked with Jorge Crespo, the Bolivian worker and coordinator of the Senior ambassador to the U.S. Two of the ambassador's children are recent Macalester Connection at Methodist Hospital in St. graduates and the third is a current Macalester student. Louis Park, and the Rev. David B. Kachel '53, director of education and community relations services to the elderly at the Participation in community service is Amherst H. Wilder Foundation of St. Yesterday and today: alive and well, evident in the fact that Paul. He is also a former president of the MACTION—a student volunteer organi- Minnesota Gerontological Society. The view from a '91 alum zation— is probably the strongest student They led discussions on such topics as organization on campus. the spiritual dimension of life for older The more than 30 people who make up the While it seems that most college facul- adults, making a living will and the cru- Alumni Association's board of directors come ties aren't always there for students due to cial factors in a positive aging experience. from all age groups and areas of the country. the pressure to "publish or perish," my Each seminar attracted about 80 alumni One of the youngest is Anne E. Hale '91 of professors at Macalester were always and friends. St. Paul, who attended her first board meet- around and made it possible for us to con- "It was a very positive reaction. They ing last January. tact them at home if we needed them. seemed to hit topics that people were in- After listening to alums from the 1940s They really cared about the campus com- terested in," Haan said. through the '80s talk about what Macalester munity and were an important part of it. The third Great Scots event, which was meant to them, she offered her thoughts They would participate with us in intra- scheduled Oct. 10, featured grandparents (slightly adapted here) : mural sports and other activities, and who are alums taking a grandchild on a At this point, I feel far more like a stu- would support us by their attendance — tour of Macalester's Ordway Natural His- dent than an alum. It is interesting to there were always faculty at our Softball tory Area. Other ideas are in the works. hear all of your feelings on the needs you games. In addition to Haan, other alums in- see for Macalester as well as the path you Although the student body is a highly volved in Great Scots include Kenneth P. wish its growth to take. diverse group, we were never the popular Awsumb '49, Frederick M. Coates Jr. '42, You would like internationalism and "in" crowd in high school, but more of Roland R. De Lapp '43, Samuel W. Cook multiculturalism to be an integral part of the "eggheads." We still tend to follow '43, Marjorie Dixon Maki '43, Doris our education. The college's strength in our own interests. Fuller Pylkas '43, Esther Torii Suzuki '46, these two areas heavily influenced my de- However, I don't think additional sup- Russ Wigfield '43 and Walter J. "Jack" cision to attend Mac. port for a specific area such as athletics Rock '53. • (one of my interests) will change the NOVEMBER 1992 27 Class Notes

World of nightmares: Doug Johnson helps heal the victims of torture by Gary McVey

On his application to Yale graduate school, Douglas A. Johnson '71 la- beled himself an "entrepreneur for social justice.1' The label still holds, more affixed now than ever. Johnson is the executive director of the Center for Victims of Torture in Minneapolis. He and the center's staff of doctors, psychologists, social workers and others have helped hundreds of men and women from all parts of the world work to overcome the physical and mental pain suffered at the hands of government-sponsored torturers such as military and police. The center, established in 1985 at the initiative of former Minnesota Gov. Rudy Perpich, was the first treat- Doug Johnson at the Center for Victims of Torture: "Your organization is your ment center of its kind in the U.S. weapon against injustice." and the third worldwide. This year, it will assist more than 125 victims at the center were tortured as children, cess. Joanne Porter Meehan '53 is the through medical treatment and psy- often as a weapon against their parents. center's director of social services, and chotherapy, as well as providing assis- "Torturers are very adept at using several Mac students have worked or tance with housing, living expenses your values and beliefs as weapons continue to work as interns. and legal status. The average length of against you," Johnson says. "Suddenly, Johnson says his work allows him to its intensive treatment is about 14 your life history is no longer a source of combine his interests in social justice months. strength but one of pain. The purpose and organizational management. He "Torture is the most effective of healing is to rebuild the links of soli- became fascinated with the latter while weapon against democracy," Johnson darity internally to the family and to co-founding and working with a hun- says. "Governments which use it target the community." ger organization, the Infant Formula opposition leaders, or those they think It's estimated that about 8,000 vic- Action Coalition in Minneapolis. He could become leaders, with the pur- tims of torture live in Minnesota, watched it grow from a grassroots pose of scaring the community into Johnson says, noting that the state has movement into an international group submission. By helping the victims, one of the largest per capita popula- that successfully lobbied the World we're not only helping the individuals tions of refugees. Most of the center's Health Organization to adopt the recover from their nightmare, but clients left their native countries to es- world's first international marketing we're also helping their communities cape torture and repression. Almost code and forced the Nestle corporation recover their leadership." half come from Africa, with others to agree to abide by it. Torture can take many forms, he coming from Southeast Asia, Latin After eight years of directing IN- says. Victims the center has treated America, the Middle East and Eastern FACT and two years working with hu- have suffered such physical torture as Europe. A few of the clients are U.S. man rights groups in Latin America, rape, electric shock to the most sensi- citizens who have been tortured he enrolled at Yale's School of Organi- tive areas of the body and burning of abroad. zational Management in 1986 and the skin with cigarettes or red-hot Since Johnson took over as execu- earned a master's degree in public and irons. But the center emphasizes that tive director in 1988, the non-profit private management. the purpose of bodily torture is as a center has increased the number of cli- "In the world of social change, most weapon against the mind. Psychologi- ents it serves each year from about 22 people are moved by the issues — by al- cal torture has become increasingly so- to 125, its staff from two to 22 and its leviating the suffering of others," John- phisticated. It now includes such annual operating budget from about son says. "I saw a need to go beyond tactics as sleep deprivation, blindfold- $200,000 to $800,000. The center, that and also pay attention to the orga- ing, exposure to a constant noise, which receives most of its income from nization. As I see it, your organization mock execution and forcing a victim foundation grants and individual con- is your weapon against injustice. These to watch the torture of others, espe- tributions, moved into a new, larger problems are caused by institutions, cially loved ones. Twenty-five percent home on the University of Minnesota and they require an organizational re- of the survivors who have been treated campus last January. sponse; our strength comes from work- Other Macalester alums have also ing together." been instrumental in the center's suc-

32 MACALESTER TODAY Macrocosm How to Raise a Non-Violent Child in a Violent World by Michael Obsatz

More than 150,000 Iraqi children, women and men died during the Persian Gulf War in an attempt to solve a political problem. Our own children learned that war is an acceptable way to resolve differences. If a culture is inundated with messages about violent solutions to complex problems, many will see no other way. And violence is all around us. Children are flooded with it—on television, in rock videos, in advertisements. Our culture re- wards certain athletes handsomely for en- gaging in violent sports (and then criticizes them when they carry that violence into interpersonal relationships). Books about "swimming with sharks" make the best-seller lists. The model of cutthroat competition—winning at all costs, taking what one wants—is every- where. Some adults choose to excuse males who act violently, saying "boys will be boys." Michael Obsatz is an associate professor of sociology at Macalester. He often There are many theories about the na- speaks, writes and leads workshops on the subjects of family and men's issues, ture of violence and what causes people to how to raise successful children, interpersonal relationships and gender issues. lead violent lives. Some say it is the result He is the father of three children. of feelings of powerlessness. Others claim it is due to a felt scarcity of resources: Peo- ple strike out to take what they are kept • Help them learn negotiating skills so • Help them differentiate healthy com- from having. Still others blame families that they can see that compromise is not petition from cutthroat, aggressive for modeling violent or abusive behavior. wimping out. competition. We need to counteract the harmful messages children receive. We need to • Teach them to respect themselves • Help them develop compassion for teach children how to love and nurture and others of the other gender, other those less fortunate than they are. each other and themselves. Over the last races and classes—discourage stereotyped thinking. • Teach them that masculinity and 10 years, I have taught workshops on this femininity are about feeling good about topic in churches, schools, community who you are, not having to conform to service organizations and anywhere else I macho roles or passive roles. could. Here are some suggestions: We need to counteract • Don't be afraid to share your spiritual • Value them for who they are, not just the harmful messages values. what they achieve. • Help them learn the difference be- • Teach them how to cooperate and children receive. tween courage and bravado. share. We need to teach children • Teach them to be cautious and pro- • Help them understand what it feels tective of themselves and to protect others like to be judged, criticized, shamed, hu- how to love and nurture who are endangered. miliated or emotionally abused, so they won't do those things to others. each other and themselves. • Help them learn that sexuality is only one of a hundred aspects of the person, to • Help them leam how to select friends put it in perspective. who will be caring and supportive. • Do not accept sexist behavior and • Teach them the importance of self- • Teach them to have clear boundaries — comments — react with clear messages discipline, and the pride that comes from about space, time, feelings, touch, pri- that both men and women are to be following a task through to completion. vacy— and how to assert those boundaries respected. and stand firm. • Teach them respect for the earth, for • Teach them how to forgive others. others, for themselves. • • Limit their viewing of crime and violence on TV. 40 MACALESTER TODAY Letters

The policy of Macalester Today is to publish tainties. 1 wish I could share with him my as many letters as possible from alumni, the Favorite profs joy at my daughter's new career in medi- primary audience of this magazine, as well as While I was at Macalester (1970-73), I cine— something for which I was too other members of the Macalester community. had the good fortune to take three courses afraid to reach. Exceptions are letters that personally malign each from Drs. Ernest R. Sandeen, Henry The exhilaration and exuberance in an individual or are not related to issues at Bair (both history) and Duncan H. Baird Mary Gwen Owen's choral reading: "Ne Macalester or contents of the magazine. (political science). you! Not 'nooT' Please send letters intended for publication to My experience with these fine teachers Dave White and his wife, Bev, who in- Letters to the Editor, Macalester Today, in lecture classes led to my later taking a troduced me to "bean cuisine." Public Relations arid Publications Department, tutorial from each of them. In my tuto- Candace Dornblaser Steele '53 Macalester College, 1600 Grand Ave., rials, each of these kind gentlemen let me Ashland, Ore. St. Paul MN55I05-I899. We reserve the do what I wanted to do, and with great right to edit letters for conciseness and clarity. good humor monitored my progress. The Newspaper stories by former journalism result was that I studied the subject matter students shouted from a wall near Ron involved with enthusiasm and learned. Ross' desk in Old Main. The bylines were Each in his own way knew what it was broadly circled. The Shafers' gift to be a teacher, i.e., one who guides a During office advising hours he'd lean It was with great sadness that I learned student to knowledge rather than deluding from his chair to crack open a window, Professor Boyd C. Shafer died Feb. 10. him/herself that they are imparting it. I light a cigarette and listen intently. His One of few African-American students am extremely grateful to them and think compassion and ability to size up came in at Macalester in 1967 (I believe there of them often. handy as an academic, in much the way were about 10 of us), I had the great for- John B. Davenport '73 they serve a reporter. Ron's knack was to tune for the duration of my years at Mac- St. Paul hear everything said, and sense most of alester (1967- 71) to be taken under the the unsaid. wing of Dr. Shafer and his gracious, lovely Nancy Gerth was a professor in philoso- He taught journalism with great enthu- wife, Carol. Working as his research assis- phy for part of the time that I attended siasm, and edited assignments with a tant, 1 learned research and analytical Macalester. She had a breadth of knowl- heavy hand. Green inked comment skills and methods which I still use in my edge in her field that ranged from sym- weighed down the page. Often I thought work as a civil rights attorney. But the bolic logic to Eastern philosophy. She had he wrote more in the margins than I wrote truly precious gift from Professor and Mrs. read and knew how to interpret each with in the text. "Be specific," he scribbled. Shafer was that of abiding friendship and integrity. She also could translate from "Let's have more description here," he intellectual challenge unmarred by racism. one area of philosophy to another. That commanded. "Ugh!" he hollered. I'd add The biographical information provided made her truly exceptional. up the green comments mournfully, cer- in the May issue of Macalester Today omit- Ms. Gerth applied real-life experiences tain that I had no future in journalism. ted one aspect of his life in which he took to what she taught. I always have remem- Ron tossed it off. Writing is always up and deep satisfaction. Dr. Shafer sponsored bered the examples that she gave from down, he'd say. You'll be all right. the membership of John Hope Franklin as conversations she had with a mechanic Ron's optimism was boundless. He the first African-American member of the who was a friend of hers. walked briskly into media law class, arms American Historical Association. That heaped with lecture notes and books. sponsorship and his deep friendship with Hello, hello, he'd greet us, stacking his Professor Franklin reflect Dr. Shafer's life papers at the podium, opening windows, of both doing "the right thing" and his ability reaching to rearrange classroom chairs to personally reach across potential barriers that pointed the wrong way. Those mis- because he saw humanity in each person. placed chairs made him nuts. So did mis- Dr. Shafer very much wanted me to placed words, we quickly learned. continue my education as a graduate stu- Finally, Ms. Gerth was tough. She set Gifted with skill and humor, he made dent in history. But it was 1971 and, to expectations and limits in her class and the transition from working professional his disappointment, 1 was much too eager stuck to them. She expected the best from to classroom teacher look easy. He'd catch to go off on the adventure of life as a com- students and had high grading standards. I us off guard and abruptly shift sides in an munity organizer. We continued to corre- am grateful to have known her. argument, defending the media with one spond for many years and I treasure his Kenneth A. Lawrence '84 breath, criticizing with another. No point letters. I wish he were around today to St. Paul in the world need take more than 250 learn that he influenced my recent deci- words to write, Ron preached. Keep those sion to follow in his footsteps as a scholar Memories: The patient gentleness of Dr. comment papers short and concise. and teacher. I am returning to school, Yahya Armajani as he presented us with I've surpassed your word limit, Professor having recently been awarded a graduate the beginnings of Arabic language, Ross. law fellowship from Stanford University to though he'd rather have taught us Persian. But please permit a final sentence. pursue a doctor of the science of law Dr. Thomas Hill, who introduced me You made a difference, and you are (JSD) degree. to the history of philosophy and to an en- missed. Dr. Shafer and his wife were extraordi- tirely new — to me—concept of enter- Deborah Locke '90 nary "mentors" who enriched my Mac- taining ambiguities. Milwaukee, Wis. alester experience and have continued to Beloved Dr. O.T. Walter, who helped influence my life. me see the uncertainties beyond the cer- Barbara Y.Phillips 71 San Francisco NOVEMBER 1992 41 On the River with Redford and Company You don't have to be a Macalester alum to make a movie Macalester alums lead interesting lives. To keep in touch with Robert Redtord. But heck, it doesn't hurt. with your friends and classmates, be sure to fill out the Two alumni took part in the making of Redford's new Alumni Directory Survey that was mailed to all alums in movie, "A River Runs Through It," filmed in Montana. August. For more on the survey and the new directory, turn For more about John P. Bailey '69 (in photo with Redford), to page 34- Ian Elliot 74 and the movie, see page 33 in this issue.

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