I recently received my very first copy of the magazine, and since I have spent most of my career involved in the production of ads, promotional brochures and direct mail pieces, I can say that this one comes off as a first-class publication.

I would like to know what happened to some of the members of my class. I can still remember a few names, but after retirement you think of these things.

One man I will never forget was an instructor by the name of Goddard, I believe. He taught architecture and design at the old Technical Institute. He is probably long gone by now, but not forgotten. He opened me up to photography, and over the years I evolved into an artist, partially because he took the time to help me in the lab and encouraged me to print on some old World War II printing paper. As a result, I have maybe 50 articles to my credit, two books with a third on the way, and more than 4,000 original images in the hands of collectors.

After completing my training in Norfolk, I went on to VPI and graduated from Longwood. I think I have gotten more use out of the courses I took at what is now Old Dominion than all the rest put together. Even as a science major, I constantly draw from the practical courses I completed at ODU.

Look for my latest work in a feature in Popular Photography - an adventure into the Wyoming outback.

- Jack Jeffers '55
Lander, Wyo.

Having read Arlene Daus Willis' response to the creation of the Filipino-American Student Cultural Center (FASCC) ["Another View on the Filipino-American Center," fall 1999], it seems that she has lost touch with Old Dominion University in the nine years since her graduation. Is she suggesting that the creation of the FASCC will have a negative impact on current and future Filipino-American students at Old Dominion - and on the university itself?

I must vigorously differ with this perception.

Ms. Willis perhaps does not realize that the FASCC is a converted two-bedroom home, and only a very few members of the Filipino-American student body can "hang out" there at the same time. While I agree that "having a place to hang out - away from (non-Filipino) students" - may, in fact, "enforce" some sort of "self-segregation," this will only become problematic if this is done, on an individual basis, specifically to avoid the "other (non-Filipino) students." I see absolutely no issue with any student who wishes to occasionally "reconnect" with his or her roots.

Centers such as the FASCC can promote opportunities for personal insight and cultural understanding for all members of the Old Dominion community.

I invite Ms. Willis to return to our campus and interact with the FASCC and Filipino-American Student Association communities as I have. Perhaps, then, she can "reconnect" with her fellow Filipino Americans, and with her alma mater.

- William H. "Bill" Park '87
Norfolk, Va.

The new alumni magazine is great! Please share my appreciation for a first-class publication we can all be proud of.

- Paul Stiles '89
Germantown, Md.

Thank you for sending me the Old Dominion University magazine. I enjoy reading it. What a great way to be kept up-to-date with news about my alma mater! I look forward to the next issue.

- Mary B. Swing '70
Richmond, Va.

I am happy to receive the Old Dominion University magazine. It reminds me of the days at ODU almost six years ago. It is still so far, but I feel so close when I get the magazine.

- Gerardo A. Arias '93
Panama City, Panama

The magazine is great. I really enjoy reading it. The layout and photography, in addition to the writing, are top-notch.

- Heather Lawrence Burnett '91
Pittsburgh, Pa

Thanks for such a great write-up on Esther Wiggins ["Judicious Acts," fall 1999]. I retired in 1997 from the court in which she is serving and now work with Primerica, a subsidiary of Citigroup, as a personal financial analyst.

Keep up the good work. I enjoy reading about the continuing growth of the programs and people of ODU.

- Pat Wright '74
Alexandria, Va.

Nice job on the magazine. I really enjoyed Steve Daniel's "Between the Lines" column ["It's a Small, Small World," fall 1999]. It would be neat if we all could have a taste of God's "flag of many colors/nations." Thanks again.

- Marsha Wagner Langston '90
Nogales, Ariz.

I am not an actor, nor have I donned the director's chair at this time ["Getting His Act Together," fall 1999], but as a latecomer to the industry, have produced two films, helped finance a third and have a three-picture deal with a huge company. We are having fun and also have a TV deal in the works that should land us a few MOWs (Movies of the Week) and a sports show, if everything falls into place.

Interestingly, this 1969 alumnus has always wanted to write for a living, and I'm hoping that someone will pick up one of my screenplays. But until that occurs, producing is a most fascinating endeavor.

Please check out our Web sites: http://home.earthlink.net/~pantheonent, www.bigpicture.com and our latest film project, www.hittingthewall.com.

I would love some feedback and am always available for ODU folks!

- Chip Fraser '69
Ventura, Calif.

The best part of returning home (from the Washington, D.C., area) to the ODU area is taking a few classes. Thank you for adding to my personal growth and education.

- Mary E. Ferratt '73 (M.A. '79)
Virginia Beach, Va.

My time at ODU has been a tremendously enriching experience. If ODU did not exist, I would not have been able to redirect the course of my life and spur my personal growth in mid-life. I am very thankful to have had this opportunity.

- William T. Parks '99
Virginia Beach, Va.