Readers' Letters
Inspiring Issue
I just received the recent magazine, and was very moved and inspired by reading Matt vandenBerg's address. I also learned a lot from reading the collection of stories about the value and risks of AI. All of the pieces were well done.
– Sallie Bodie '74, Seattle, WA
AI and Branch Rickey
Dear fellow Alumni, Hopefully you saw and read the Spring 2024 edition of OWU Magazine, especially the sections on AI—and more specifically, how ChatGPT wrote an essay from another alum, Norman Vincent Peale 1920.
Based on this magazine's article, (my husband) Fred and I just spent a special afternoon together at our vacation home at Lake Arrowhead, reading, thinking, sharing, and creating. With the help of ChatGPT, we constructed an essay from another important and respected Ohio Wesleyan alum, Branch Rickey 1904. Please read and enjoy this amazing communication from a man whose legend, and that of Jackie Robinson, live on as one of baseball's most important moments.
ChatGPT Prompt:
Branch Rickey was a baseball executive known for his groundbreaking 1945 decision to bring Jackie Robinson into the major leagues, thereby breaking the color barrier. He was also an alumnus of Ohio Wesleyan University. Can you write a-400 word essay in his words describing how, in his spirit, AI can be an important part of the future of Ohio Wesleyan and the U.S.
ChatGPT Output:
I am Branch Rickey, an alumnus of Ohio Wesleyan University, and I have always believed in pushing the boundaries of what is possible, challenging the status quo, and fostering progress. Just as I once saw an untapped potential in Jackie Robinson, who shattered the color barrier in Major League Baseball, I now see a new horizon of possibilities with artificial intelligence (AI). This technology, much like Robinson, holds the promise of transformative change for both Ohio Wesleyan University and the United States.
AI represents a new frontier, much like the integration of baseball once did. At Ohio Wesleyan, we have always been at the forefront of embracing innovation and striving for excellence. Integrating AI into our academic and administrative frameworks can revolutionize our institution in ways previously unimaginable. Imagine a classroom where AI tutors assist professors, providing personalized learning experiences for each student, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and tailoring instruction to meet their individual needs. This level of customization can enhance the learning process, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential, much like how we nurtured Robinson's talents on the field.
Moreover, AI can streamline administrative functions, allowing our dedicated faculty and staff to focus more on mentorship and less on paperwork. Predictive analytics can help in resource allocation, ensuring that we make the most efficient use of our funds and facilities. This would free up resources to invest in further educational opportunities, research initiatives, and community programs, fostering an environment of growth and innovation.
Just as integrating baseball required courage and foresight, so too does embracing AI. It requires us to look beyond the fears and misconceptions and focus on the potential benefits. AI can drive economic growth, create new industries, and solve complex problems. It can be a powerful tool in addressing some of our nation's most pressing challenges, from healthcare to climate change, ensuring that we leave a better world for future generations.
In the spirit of Ohio Wesleyan's commitment to social justice and equality, AI can also play a pivotal role. It can help us identify and eliminate biases, promote fair practices, and create more inclusive environments. By leveraging AI, we can ensure that opportunities are distributed more equitably, breaking down barriers just as we did on that historic day in 1947 when Jackie Robinson took the field.
As an alumnus, I urge Ohio Wesleyan to lead the charge in integrating AI into our educational and administrative practices. Let us harness this technology to enrich our students' learning experiences, drive innovation, and uphold our values of equality and progress. Just as we once paved the way for a more inclusive society in baseball, we can now pave the way for a brighter, more technologically advanced future. Together, we can continue to be pioneers, shaping a better tomorrow for Ohio Wesleyan and the United States.
– Barbara and Fred Haney '63, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Growing Old
Retrieving my college magazine from my post box today, I realized how old I am. The new college president on the front cover, I thought, was the senior class representative addressing graduation. Whatever happened to the likes of President Elden Smith, who we joked about wearing his suit to bed, similar to the derisive comments made about Richard Nixon's passion for a white shirt and tie? I'm so old I remember Nixon before he was president, in fact, before he was vice president. Oh, so old.
But the alumni magazine really rubbed it in. The only pictures included of my days at college were in black and white. When I searched for the Class Notes, my decade was blank. The only pages with some company were those on the In Memoriam section. When I see the year of graduation after every person mentioned in the magazine, I still have to remember that '12 is the year in the 21st century, not the 20th. It can get confusing.
I guess I should be used to it now. I still marvel that when I get on a crowded subway someone stands up for me to take their seat. "No thanks, I'm fine," I say, trying to figure out what gave me away.
Growing old is not for the weak-hearted. Explaining your maladies to a doctor who may be your grandson's age is humbling. Figuring out who you can put down as an emergency contact is stressful. Everyone is older than you, and you are their emergency contact.
My solution is travel. I am not old when I am seeing new things. It is only when I pass by a window on the Champs Elysees and see a reflection in the window of a person I don't recognize who is walking in the same direction, that I realize my age. I usually invite the stranger for an aperitif at a corner café, and we reminisce our travels together.
– John McWilliam '67, West Falmouth, MA
Tribute to a Fallen Friend
Editor: Wesley Spreen '68 sent OWU Magazine a touching remembrance of Jack Dawson '66, who was killed in Vietnam just over a year after graduating from Ohio Wesleyan. Rather than editing the piece to fit in the limited space of the printed magazine, we elected to print Wesley's letter in its entirety on our website:
Jack Dawson, We Hardly Knew You
It was long ago, and you died far away, Jack.
We both came of age at Ohio Wesleyan in the 60's. Exciting times. The Beatles and the Stones were at their peak, Bob Dylan was exploring new attitudes, the sexual revolution was stirring, American youth was beginning to experiment with its political power, and we were young, idealistic, and invincible. We were reading Hemingway, discussing Sartre, meeting for dates at the Brown Jug, and enjoying the stimulating and idyllic existence that was Ohio Wesleyan in those years.
You were two years ahead of me in school. When I arrived in 1964 as a freshman you were already a junior, a known personality on campus, a confident, cheerful, good-looking presence with an established identity and the respect of your peers. You introduced yourself to me because you had known my big brother Roger, who had meteorically passed through Ohio Wesleyan the prior year before flunking out. In our first conversation you listened to me with the genuine interest that was the hallmark of your relationships with others, and I felt I had found a friend.
Really, we were only casual acquaintances, but would stop to talk regularly as our paths crossed on campus. You often asked about Roger's continuing journey through his young life, and as time passed, I told you he had joined the Marine Corps and was living in a tent in a place called Da Nang.
By your senior year you had acquired the complete maturity and dignity of an adult. Friendly and approachable though you remained, we late-adolescent underclassmen sensed that you had moved beyond us to a different phase of life. Like all the men of our era at OWU, you were grappling with the imminent prospect of mandatory military service that awaited after graduation.
Early in my senior year the campus was rocked by the news that you had been killed in Vietnam. For those of us who knew you, I believe your death was a milestone event that marked our passage between the fantasy of Ohio Wesleyan and the stark prospect of what we called Real Life. Of course, there were many declarations of the cliché, sincere expressed, that you would never be forgotten. But we had our own lives to live, and our families to establish, our children to raise, and our bountiful existences to enjoy. Time passes, memories fade, and I can't clearly remember your face anymore.
I'm in my late seventies now, surrounded by family and old friends, and for some reason you are in my mind more often. When I'm in Washington I find your name on the Memorial Wall and hold my fingers there for a few minutes, trying to communicate with you. A lot has happened since you left us more than fifty years ago. We sent a man to the moon, the Cold War ended, we elected an African-American president, and the Ohio Wesleyan coeds are now allowed to stay out all night. Most of us have grandchildren. You would have been a wonderful grandfather.
Once in a while I look at the few photos I have of you. A vigorous young man, a face with no wrinkles, ready to break into a friendly smile, a rich and full life ahead of you.
It was so long ago, and we hardly knew you, Jack.
Presidential Citation
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Robert Dawson (MCSN: 0-100987), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Forward Observer with Battery G, Third Battalion, Twelfth Marines, Third Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 October 1967.
During Operation Granite, Second Lieutenant Dawson was attached to Company B, First Battalion, Fourth Marines during a search and destroy operation in Thua Thien Province. As the company was moving down a narrow jungle trail, it suddenly came under intense enemy fire from well-concealed North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces on three sides, sustaining immediate casualties, and was temporarily pinned down by the heavy volume of automatic weapons and small-arms fire and grenade attack. Although the enemy ambush continued with relentless intensity, Second Lieutenant Dawson completely disregarded his own safety as he dauntlessly moved from his position at the rear of the platoon to the side of the company commander in the foreground of the attack. After the two officers conferred to determine how artillery could best be deployed against the enemy, Second Lieutenant Dawson quickly called for and accurately adjusted supporting arms fire on the enemy positions.
While he continued to direct artillery fire, the commanding officer was struck by an enemy round and fell to the ground, exposed to further injury or possible death on the open trail. Quickly obtaining a rifle, Second Lieutenant Dawson unhesitatingly positioned himself by the side of his wounded comrade, using his own body as a shield in an effort to protect him from the hostile fire. Exhibiting a sincere concern for the welfare of his companion and a determined fighting spirit, he courageously returned fire upon the enemy until he was mortally wounded. His heroic action at the risk of his own life was instrumental in saving the life of his fellow Marine and contributed significantly in repulsing the enemy force.
By his intrepid fighting spirit, daring initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Dawson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
– Wesley Spreen '68
Solving the Mystery Photo
We received several responses from 1990s alumni and a faculty member with partial solutions to the mystery photo. The photo included 22 students in front of Welch Hall, and the responses identified 30 different students!
I'm able to supply the names for seven of the people, and I believe the picture was taken in the spring of 1991. Here are the people I could identify: Greg Watkins-Colwell '91, Andy Crawford '92, Jeff Zalatoris '93, Carolyn Svetz Marcinek '93, Heather Love Carman '93, Chris Sarver '92, and myself.
As to the photo, I think it was one of those "round up anyone who lives in this dorm for a yearbook photo," and my memory was that not many people were around, so it was a pretty random collection of residents. As to the expressions, I think somebody thought it would be funny to try and look like an indie band on the back of an album, so no one was on the same page.
– Jason Laipply '92, Phoenix, AZ
I am in the back row of the mystery pic. I was an RA in Welch Hall (third floor). My roommate and I are standing there, with his girlfriend. There are also two other of my residents sitting on the rock on the right, so my guess is that this is a picture of Welch Hall, whoever decided to show up, whatever floor. This would have been taken in the spring of 1990.
– Bob Abrams '90, Lewis Center, OH
This month's Mysteries from the Archives is a picture of the residents of Welch Hall for the yearbook ('90). The picture may have been taken by my roommate, Fuad Salim '91. Based on my recollections here is who is pictured: Front row L-R: Heather Nardin Klumpp '93, unknown, Becky Roesner '92; second row L-R: Greg Watkins-Colwell (sitting on ball), Elaine Bearden '93, Don Guilbert '91, Furrukh Khan '93, unknown, Jeff Zalatoris, Scott McBride '93 (foot on the ledge), Jason Laipply (sitting on ball on right); third row L-R: unknown, Mike Patrick '90, Karen Faloon Patrick '90, Bob Abrams, unknown, unknown, Trevor Andary '90, Carolyn Svetz Marcinek, unknown, unknown, unknown.
I am still in touch with about a third of these people through Facebook and see several of them many times throughout the year.
– David Rutter '91, Cincinnati, OH
Yearbook photo of Welch residents, spring 1990. Among them: Scott McBride, Jeff Zalatoris, Mark Rentz '93, Carolyn Svetz Marcinek, Elaine Bearden, Trevor Sharp '93.
– David Jimerson '93, Wilmington, NC
Appears to be the RA group circa 1992. Paul Edwards '93, Jeff Zalatoris, Heather Love Carman, Jessica Wadle '93, Carolyn Svetz Marcinek. Not sure about the expressions, except some of them had a great sense of humor!
Can't believe these are ARCHIVES! Agh!
I lived in Welch all 4 years, many fond memories!
– Lisa Norman Klemeyer '93, Sarasota, FL
Also sending in partial answers were Alex Aguilar '94, Mary Devine '91, Chris Farmen '88, Shala Hankison '95, Jill Smith Nesbitt '93, Greg Watkins-Colwell '91, and retired faculty member David Johnson.
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