We want to hear from you! Please share thoughts, insights, discrepancies, recollections, photos — and how’s your Tom’s Trivia win-loss percentage coming? Post to our website at magazine.uconn.edu, email the editor at lisa.stiepock@uconn.edu, or send by regular mail to UConn Magazine Letters, 34 N. Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-3144.
Here’s a sampling of web, social media, mailed, and emailed comments on our last issue, edited for clarity and length.
The Ortega Effect
Amazing story for an amazing professor. The Ortega Effect is real — and I am happy to say that our family includes one of the many students who have been positively affected by Morty. Thank you, professor Ortega!
Mike Widmer ’90 (CLAS)
Fairfield, Connecticut
Morty! What an incredible piece. It’s wonderful to see you get this beautiful and well-deserved recognition. I am so honored to have had you as my OG mentor and to be a small part of your story. Whenever I am unsure of how to handle a struggling student, I often find myself asking, “What would Morty do/say?”
Jesse Senko ’06 (CAHNR)
Arizona State University
Morty, I’m so glad to read of your amazing stewardship of the students you have influenced and so grateful that we were able to share many adventures in Chile while studying the guanacos. Your dedication and perseverance have been rewarded and you are passing on that determination to achieve to your students. Well done, Morty.
Merry Franklin
St. George, Utah
This resonated so deeply with me. I chose to be a UConn clinical professor. Yes, I conduct research and publish, but always on my own time because I want to, not because it’s required. My true calling is being a professor, a teacher, and a deeply passionate OB nurse. If I can continue inspiring students to love this profession as much as I do, then I will leave this world knowing I made a meaningful difference.
Thank you for highlighting an exceptional professor whose path isn’t defined by massive NIH funding or a towering stack of publications. His journey reflects the path I value most, and that is one centered on shaping students’ lives for the better.
Carrie Eaton ’18 Ph.D.
Stafford Springs, Connecticut
Light Show
A terrific idea brought to fruition by outstanding artwork. It makes one recall all past experiences of viewing the Horsebarn Hill area.
Scott Rhoades
Storrs, Connecticut
Be still my heart opening the fall issue to view the plein air work of Blanche Serban. I had to do a double take: No, not the work of my brother — but those clouds! Randall C. Sexton ’80 (SFA) left Connecticut shortly after graduation for California and never looked back. He would become a true pioneer with Plein Air Painters of America, noted for his reflection of light and celebration of color. His workshops were national and international — he would come to New England during September for a workshop in Vermont and visits with family.
Randall passed Dec. 10, 2023, days before a new studio opening. A tribute from a fellow artist: “Go and paint those clouds.” A master from a UConn education truly missed.
Melanie (Sexton) Glynn ’82 (PHARM)
Milford, Connecticut
Unrivaled
I’m so excited for Breanna, Napheesa, and all the professional women athletes who are making this happen. I also applaud Collier for her bravery in standing up for herself and others against the WNBA. Great article!
Philip Schneider ’73 (BUS)
Marina Del Rey, California
This is an amazing story about two amazing young ladies. As a UConn fan, I am happy for them and as a basketball fan, I am happy that women are advancing further into getting the recognition and, most importantly, closer to the pay they deserve. Women’s basketball is an excellent product. The one recommendation I would suggest is that the final one-on-one competition actually be two competitions — one specifically for forward/centers and the other for guards. This would give the guards a better opportunity to partake in that competition.
Glenn Ellis
New Haven, Connecticut
Riding the AI Wave
Great article. A possible solution to student submissions would be to have them be handwritten. Back when I was a freshman, submissions for English would be accepted as handwritten since not everyone had a typewriter or access to one. At least by transcribing an AI product, a student would have to read what the AI created, and some learning would take place.
James A. Olson ’68 (ENG)
Lynchburg, Virginia
Very good overall view of the issues in adopting some forms of AI assistance.
Henry Jeannin Sr.
Nine Innings With a Baseball Legend
We have known Judy and Peter since the early ’80s. She is the definition of a whirling dervish! The Cape Cod Baseball League flourished under her leadership. This article illuminates her dedication to being involved for the common good. So proud of all her achievements and to be counted among her friends!
Jim McGonigle and Anne Jacque
Harwich Port, Massachusetts
Took the UConn Magazine from the mail and opened right up to the article about Judy Walden Scarafile. Thinking she looked familiar and the timing was right, I read on. OMG, I had just read several of her articles. My boyfriend at the time, Harry Trohalis, shortstop for the baseball team of much success, had just shared with me a scrapbook I had made for him about his playing years at UConn [1970–72]. Most of the articles were written by Judy.
I called Harry and what a great time we had reminiscing about that time in our lives. Such a small world and a reminder that we are all connected — especially if you are part of UConn Nation! And Judy, I too stayed part of the world of baseball, becoming a PT specializing in throwing injuries.
Valory Ramsdell Omasta ’74 (CAHNR)
Danbury, Connecticut
Susan Brown, Inventor of Your Next Favorite Apple
I can give a shout-out on behalf of Sidney Waxman. I worked closely with him on his witches’ broom projects and found him an absolutely wonderful mentor. We spent much time driving in New England seeking to obtain seeds of naturally occurring witches’ brooms. Seeds were planted, and many new and wonderful trade varieties of evergreens were developed for the nurseryman’s trade. Sid was one fine dude; I can’t say enough about the man and his humanity. His door was always open, and spontaneous discussions often developed as I walked by his office. In a department replete with wonderful faculty, Sidney Waxman stood out as a nonpareil.
Susan Brown noticed these things about Sidney Waxman, and she reinforces my approbations of him. Great times in the “old days.”
Michael Janket ’65 (CAHNR)
Willington, Connecticut
Stowe Aways
What a wonderful surprise when I opened up this month’s issue and saw some of my classmates from Stowe B. It brought back many great memories. Wishing everyone well; I miss seeing them.
Neal Moylan ’75 (CLAS)
Conway, New Hampshire
The windows of our offices look out on Swan Lake, a favorite for pickup hockey games. One day last December we were graced with these figure skaters.
