Alumni

LETTERS

Riots Revisited
In 1968 I was a high school student in Mundelein, Illinois, soon to be a Lake Forest student. My friend and I would take the commuter train to Chicago every day of the Democratic National Convention to take part in the great "social experiment" we thought we saw happening there. We took part in the Grant Park battles. We were at the very front lines of the massive march of perhaps 20,000 people down State Street that culminated in the very violent confrontation at the Chicago Police headquarters at South 11th Street, with machine gun nests set up in front of the building and on the roof too. At one point I jumped on a Chicago police officer to rescue my friend who was being beaten with a billy club.

I know what it is like to be pushed forward by the mass of thousands of enthusiastic bodies behind you, regardless of the hesitation or dread felt at that very moment. I know the smell and effects of tear gas. Yet, I have to be honest and admit all these years later that I had no idea of how massively us two "kids," and no doubt tens of thousands of other like-minded young people, were being manipulated by the forces of both sides. As in far too many wars throughout history, we so sadly ended up being just "cannon fodder." If I had it to do all over again, I would go there to stand on the sidelines and simply observe...and think.

But I guess the additional wisdom of 40 years helps one to take that position.

Gregg Matschke '73
Grass Lake, Michigan

New Direction in Life
Like many of the adult students I met in the Master of Liberal Studies (M/LS) program, I entered during a personal transition, having just moved to the United States from Europe. I did not realize that it would alter the course of my life. The subject matter of the seminars and the very high level of teaching reinvigorated my dormant love of literature, and provided a foundation for a previously unsuspected nterest in history. I discovered that a high standard was expected from my written papers, and received a great deal of help and encouragement to become a better writer. I found that adult students made absolutely the best classmates, as everyone had something to contribute from their own experience or intellectual interests.

When the time came to return to full-time work, I moved easily into a senior staff position in a university, a far cry from the business world I once thought was my only choice. I will always be grateful to the program, in particular to Professors Carol Gayle, Dan LeMahieu, and Bob Archambeau, for giving me a new direction in life.

Jane Steen '06
Libertyville, Illinois

R.I.P.
I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Professor of History John Sproat. He was well liked, and many of us chose to take classes from him because of his outstanding reputation as being an excellent teacher. History was truly a living subject in his classroom.

Isn't it interesting how many times we relive similar events of the past? The dramatic oil and gas pump price increases from the early 1970s revisited us again this past summer. We now live in the most economically challenging of times since the Great Depression more than 70 years ago. The good news is that perhaps we have learned at least a little from our history, so we can cope with these challenges much more effectively in 21st century.

Thanks Professor Sproat for all you did for your students.

Eric Winkelman '67
Maple City, Michigan

John (Katzler '51, who passed away June 17, 2008) was a natural born, well-coordinated athlete and played all major sports.

After high school, John went into military service and was stationed at Fort Sheridan. There he played basketball for their "Cook and Bake" unit where he met Don Skrinar '50, who had "found" Lake Forest College a few miles north and let John know about our beautiful school. Both men became big men on campus. John played varsity basketball. He and several other ball players led the team to winning seasons. One season they won over Wheaton College, then a vaunted, ranked team. There was joy at Lake Forest College that night.

John was a friend to all, ever ready to give anyone a hand or share his experiences. Rest in peace.

Robert Little '53
Wappingers Fl, New York

Valuable Lessons
I enjoyed the article about Professor Holly Swyers's use of the car to teach anthropological principles. One student noted that it was easier to talk to people in the vehicle because you didn't have to make eye contact. I have been teaching communication to corporations for years and many times have recommended a drive in a car for working through serious conversations. Her students will not forget the valuable lessons learned from this kind of exercise.

Alyce Cornyn-Selby
Portland, Oregon