Nick Clary | Professor of English

I just thought I would send a note to commend The Echo and Kurstin Reuschel, in particular, for the outstanding multimedia article on the Bread and Puppet Theater production that packed the house on Feb. 23.  Kurstin’s blending of photos and sound was professionally and handsomely done, and her presentation captured so much of what took place all day Saturday, from rehearsals during the day to the performance on stage in the evening.  This was a joyful community event—a kind of family reunion for those already in the Bread and Puppet choir.  For the rest of us in the audience, from small children to college students, from parents to grandparents, it was a splendid way to come in out of the cold and feel the warmth and earnestness of purpose that those on the stage were stirring up.  The Company as well as the student and faculty volunteer performers were clearly committed to entertain, to make us think, and to remind us that serious ideologues still have a huge sense of humor and a taste for the whimsical.

Alumni Center: not misguided priority

Craig Duffy | Class of 2006

I read your recent editorial regarding the new proposed alumni center. I thought it was a very interesting argument from a current student's perspective.

I am a recent SMC grad from the class of 2006 and still enjoy reading The Echo and The Defender online, I still like hearing about what is going on and I feel that it still keeps me connected to the college. I did however somewhat disagree with your argument that the new alumni center would be a misguided priority.

I completely understand your points that the College needs additional/upgraded housing on campus and the fact that the money could easily be used for other scholarships or academic programs. However, as an alumn of the College, I have to say that the fact that Saint Michael's cares so much about their alumni base that they would create a new building specifically for us lets me know that they still appreciate and understand the importance we as alumni members have in the endowment and general support for our alma matter. Financial support by alumni members winds up being a critical component when the College receives its rankings each year and not to mention the annual Saint Michael's Fund which designates money to an array of the College's needs such as scholarships, student life programs, etc. I take pride in knowing that Saint Michael's has improved year after year and I know the College will continue to improve in the years to come.

While at Saint Michael's I was involved in Founders Society as well as the Student Phonathon program with Institutional Advancement. While taking prospective students on tours of the campus, both students and parents seemed especially interested in the fact that Saint Michael's had new and beautiful additions to the campus. During my four years at the College, Canterbury and Pontigny Halls had opened up in addition to the Hoehl Welcome Center and new fire and rescue station. Its lets our visitors know that we are financially stable enough to guide funds in our endowment towards fulfilling the College's growth. While working with Institutional Advancement, I was part of the Pomerleau Challenge to raise funds for the new alumni center. Many of the alumns I spoke with were more than happy to contribute towards this goal because they realized it would be a place specifically for them when they visited the campus in the future.

While I agree with you that the money could have gone elsewhere, I have to disagree that this is a misguided priority. I think quite honestly that this is a very smart move for Saint Michael's to make. Perhaps this building will strengthen the emotional (and financial) ties that Saint Michael's already has with its alumni base and even increase the College's endowment. Although my years of living in the quad are now well behind me, I look forward to knowing that when I do visit the campus in the future, I'll have a new place for me to go that is specifically for me and my fellow alumni members.

I really enjoyed reading your article. Enjoy your days at Saint Michael's - I assure you that you'll really miss them once you graduate!

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