Carolina Alumni Review - January/February 2007

event. It was quite interesting to compare what those grades might have indicated about the potential of our returning alumni with their actual careers today.

These graduates are gratifying proof to those of us who were privileged to teach them that all students in any given class are important, and all deserve the best instructional and mentoring skills that we as faculty can muster. Few of us could have imagined the full potential of these students when we taught them in the early 1970s. It was truly gratifying to learn now of their successes.

Thomas B. Clegg

V. Lee Bounds Professor of Physics

Chapel Hill

I am retired from the faculty of the UNC physics and astronomy department. During Homecoming weekend, my wife, Betsy, and I, with several other physics and astronomy faculty, attended a dinner hosted by the physics and astronomy class of 1971 with their spouses. It was a wonderful affair. The

members of the class gave brief accounts of what had happened to them since graduating. The variety of activities — research, medicine, law, business, etc. — in which they were able to use their education at UNC to great advantage was remarkable. It is humbling to realize that our efforts as teachers may have profound consequences for some or even all of the students in any class.

The loyalty, enthusiasm and appreciation that this class has for UNC and its faculty is to be commended. I feel certain that the University and the alumni would benefit from more events of this nature.

Vic Briscoe Chapel Hill

Editor’s note: Coverage of the class of ’ 71 physics and astronomy reunion is included in this issue’s report on Homecoming/Rampage 2006, on page 58.

Corrections

The obituary of John W. Pope ’ 47 in the

November/December issue erred in describing the history of a proposal to establish a program in Western civilization at UNC. In 2004, the Pope Foundation encouraged UNC to submit a proposal to fund a program in Western civilization, drawing criticism from faculty. UNC subsequently submitted a proposal, most of which the foundation declined to fund, citing a lack of faculty support. The foundation later agreed to provide about $300,000 over three years to support public lectures and scholarships to undergraduates engaged in research and study abroad concerning Western culture.

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An article in the November/December issue incorrectly reported how space in Jackson Hall, previously occupied by the Circus Room snack bar, would be used by the undergraduate admissions office. It is being developed as a gathering place for prospective students and their families.

The Friday Center extends UNC-Chapel Hill’s heritage of educational excellence beyond campus boundaries to the outermost corners of our state and beyond.

Nontraditional students realize new dreams through academic achievement in the Friday Center’s distance learning and part-time credit programs. Conference attendees are inspired by new knowledge gained in our state-of-the-art learning center. Careers advance to the next level through professional development programs, and community members see the world through fresh eyes in noncredit seminars and classes.