Letters to the Chronicle

Professor echoes praise for Lombardi

This letter is to commend Provost [Charlena] Seymour's letter "On the eve of inaugural, praise for Lombardi," (Feb. 7) which so eloquently and thoughtfully anticipated the very special energy and qualities of our new chancellor, which were only reinforced by the inaugural festivities of the past few days. The inaugural events brought so many of the faculty, administrators, staff and students as well as alums, dignitaries and guests together in an exceptional way which was energizing and incredibly uplifting. The high point was the inauguration itself and the speech of Chancellor Lombardi (with a faculty member behind me commenting that the chancellor did not even need an oxygen tank afterwards) which was nothing short of truly inspirational. To see many of the alums and former faculty singing the "Alma Mater" by memory seconded the specialness of this institution as did many of the speeches. Students afterwards called the inauguration and the dynamism of our chancellor "simply amazing."

I expect that there will be many more occasions for standing ovations in the years ahead for UMass Amherst.

ANNA NAGURNEY
John F. Smith Memorial Professor,
Finance and Operations Management

Logo should reflect teaching mission

I was one of the people who, several years ago, suggested a new logo for the University because the one in use was merely an adaptation of the Commonwealth's seal, and really did nothing to signify the teaching mission of UMass.

I would have hoped that a "return" to the old logo could have been considerably modified as it still looks like the state logo and, again, shows nothing about teaching.

For inspiration you might check the logos of other state universities, many of which do not simply mimic their state's logo.

BRIAN SILMAN
Class of 1966