Thanks for the Memories
I'm writing to say how much I appreciate SFSU Magazine. Every time I read the magazine I reflect on my undergraduate days and some of the wonderful professors and experiences I was fortunate enough to enjoy on the old campus: The Faculty Quartet who regaled us at the pep rallies we had in the old cracker-box gym; J. Fenton McKenna, who encouraged many to try out for school plays; the great intramural sports programs run by Bill Harkness; Music Alley, where so many soon-to-be-famous musicians studied and hung out. (Dave Brubeck and Vernon Alley are two who come to mind.) And who could ever forget the bus ride out to the new campus? Riding down Market Street until it changed into Portola Drive -- the view of the city from the summit, now called Diamond Heights, was spectacular!
Richard C. Boyd
B.A., '53; M.A., '67
Honolulu

I'm always happy to receive SFSU Magazine. It brings back memories of the old days -- lining up early in the morning for registration, the fog, friends, hard work and the joy of graduation. I continue to meet SFSU graduates who are progressive, sophisticated, open-minded, scholarly and talented individuals. There is something special about this University and I am proud to call it my alma mater.
Martha S. Escobedo
B.A., '74; M.S.W., '81
Galt, Calif.

Professors on Former Students
I especially enjoyed the article, "Playing for the Pope," in the last issue of SFSU Magazine. It does an ancient teacher's heart good to hear of the success of his former students.
Alfred F. Alberico
Professor Emeritus
Foreign Languages
San Rafael

Please accept my most sincere thank you for the excellent article on Annette Bening (Summer 2005). The profile managed to capture and verbally picture her creative artistry and her humility in a singularly adept fashion.
Alex. S. Flett
Professor Emeritus
Theatre Arts
Sonoma

Students on Former Professors
The following letters are responses to a past request for memories of favorite professors …
John Gutmann was a truly wonderful artist and teacher all of his 92 years. Oil, life, art appreciation -- I must have taken every one of his classes.

My love of art has lasted a lifetime. At age 84, I have retired from teaching art appreciation to young students. I credit my blue ribbons in painting and photography to John Gutmann's influence so many years ago when I was a college student at SF State. I shall never forget him.
Dorothy Kuhn Tarkington
B.A., '44
Escalon, Calif.

Education Professor Marvin Silverman's fundamental message was one of the teacher's professional responsibility to students, all of whom have the potential to grow: no excuses, no short cuts, no placing the blame for failures elsewhere. Professor Silverman urged his students to be resourceful and hard-working and to retain a sense of passion, idealism and optimism. I know I was a good high school English teacher and I'm proud of my career. I was fortunate to come under Marvin Silverman's influence when I was just starting out. I owe him much.
Clyde Curley
B.A., '68
Friday Harbor, Wash.

A Familiar Theme
Reading the "Tassels to the Left" piece (Summer 2005) on the graduation of Kathy Ryan Collis and her son, James Valoria, brought back memories of attending SFSU with my mother, Marianne Crisman, back in the 1980s. We graduated together in 1988. My mom, my dad, my husband and I are all proud graduates of this outstanding school.
Kay Crisman Petrini
B.A., '88; M.A., '01
San Francisco

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