Demise of men’s golf and tennis

As a one-time member of the tennis team, I am surprised and disappointed that tennis and golf are being discontinued. It is ironic that the president’s message, “Athletics and a Life of Consequence” was contained in the same issue of Beloit magazine!

Harry Byrne’52

Wethersfield, Conn.

Remembering the dish room, old friends

A photo of the late Bob Blue'70 and Sally Jones'72 received the most comments from readers after it was published in "What a Time It Was," a photo collection in our spring 2012 issue. (Photo by Peter Billard'72)

First, a thank you to Bob Arnebeck’69 for his memories of the dish room (spring 2012 issue). I vaguely remember Bob’s name and probably spent hours in that wet, noisy room with him. I usually worked “the Pit,” rinsing garbage into the disposal, though I did my share of loading. The worst time for the pitman were the days we had steak, when T-bones had to be pulled out and separately tossed into a trash barrel. This extra task slowed the whole process down to the point that trays coming in on the conveyor belt would start to stack themselves, and their dishes, up against the far wall. My idea of fun was to take large blocks of nearly solid leftover Jell-O and fling them into the tapered sides of the Pit, which were streaming with water. If I got the angle just right, the garishly colored blob would swerve 90 degrees and, like a satellite on i

ts way to Jupiter, fly over the washing machine. I remember that 50-cent raise!

Later, I was promoted to a role that I hope no longer exists: the fellow whose job it was to keep everyone from exiting the front door of Commons during winter: “You’re supposed to go out the side doors in the basement!” It was also my job to make sure (for probably the final year, ever) that on Sunday all the men wore a jacket to dinner. What a stupid job. I never thought of myself as the Dean of the Dish Room, as Bob claims he did, but then I never thought of myself as a dean at all. Yet as I write, I am finishing my 20th year as associate dean of the graduate school at Georgetown. Did someone say life was weird?

Second, many thanks for including the photo of Bob Blue (from the ’69 yearbook). Bob’s story is one that those of us from ’70 should collectively write some day. He took it upon himself to introduce all of us—and I do mean all of us—to each other that first term, fall of ’66.  I suppose he alienated some people, but he became a dear friend to many—and to many more in his later life. Bob died of complications from MS in 2006. You can read about him and his music at www.bobblue.org. If you don’t already know it, read the lyrics to his song, “Their Way” (you already know the tune), and think of your own freshman year at Beloit.

Jim Schaefer’70

Greenbelt, Md.

Recycled Paper

Congratulations to Beloit magazine on going to 100 percent recycled paper, saving trees, water, and energy! I like the feel of the new paper, and for these aging eyes (class of 1956), it is easier to read because the background is matte finish instead of shiny. My dad (class of 1929) worked as an administrator for a paper research/graduate school organization (known then as The Institute of Paper Chemistry). Way back then, he was concerned about the future of forests. When he died, our family planted several acres of trees on our property in Door County, Wis., and they stand today honoring him and his dedication to making the paper-making process cleaner and more efficient.

Suzanne Wadsworth Toft’56

Comstock Park, Mich.

I LOVE the 100 percent recycled paper used for the most recent Beloit College Magazine! Keep up the progress!

Liz Gelehrter’07

Portland, Ore.

I love the new paper. This is the first issue I read from cover to cover because I didn’t want to put it down. Thanks!

Jane Weisenberg Czech’73

Mill Valley, Calif.

I am so excited about the new paper. The other paper was “pretty” but so difficult for “old eyes” to read; the glare under incandescent light was horrible. This is the first time in years that I was able to read the magazine from cover to cover in one sitting. Thank you so much for the change.

Meredith Hart Nessinger’56

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Congratulations on going 100 percent recycled, and I love that the paper is FSC-certified. I am a long time greenie, so this is very heartening!

Anukriti Sud Hittle’86

St. Louis, Mo.

Letters about Beloit College Magazine content and other issues related to the college are welcome any time. Letters must be signed to be published, and we reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity. Email belmag@beloit.edu, or send letters to:

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