You Said

Said on campus

“We will, no doubt, one day look back at this period in our history and recognize that our community saved our college. It’s been as hard as anything we have had to do at Cornell, and yet it hasn’t been hard because we’ve done it together.” — President Jonathan Brand, from his white paper “Cornell College’s Legacy of Resilience”

Vietnam vet speaks out

In the fall 2020 Cornell Report an article depicted the tumultuous times and advice from the Class of 1970 and their protest of the Vietnam war. The Cornell Report has presented many Vietnam antiwar statements in other issues. 

Notwithstanding, I was a Cornell graduate immediately drafted into the service upon graduation. For me, escaping the military was not possible. My entire family had a military service history. Realizing that I would be going to Vietnam, I went to infantry officer candidate school and became an infantry second lieutenant before being sent to Vietnam.

My education at Cornell was excellent, but there was nothing more demanding, more terrifying, and yet humbling and rewarding, than to lead men in combat in the jungles of Vietnam. And yes, late into my deployment I was injured and received a medical disability for combat wounds. 

I’m not complaining about anti-Vietnam feelings from Cornell students or alumni. Unfortunately, those few who did serve during the Vietnam war seldom see their service mentioned positively.

Michael Garvey ’67
San Diego, California

EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael has been asked and agreed to write the Last Word essay about this topic in the fall 2021 Cornell Report.

Responding to an image of King Chapel

Vicki Holthaus: “This is the building that cinched it for my daughter. She wanted to go to the college that had ‘Hogwarts Castle.’”

Responding to the announcement that Heather “Byrd” Roberts ’09 is guest editor of the summer 2021 Cornell Report

Andres Eduardo Torres ’11: “Awesome!”

English Professor Glenn Freeman: “Excellent!”

Erin Casey ’09: “This is fantastic!”

 

Responding to a Cornell student holding a letter from his 3rd-grade Lunch Buddy

Teacher Nancy Johnson Huston ’81: “Well done! You have no idea how excited and proud they feel when receiving your letters. You’re creating the rich literacy environment all third-graders need.”

On what they are thankful for

Posse Foundation: “We’re so proud to have @CornellCollege as a Posse partner!” 

Shawnee Parens: “Thankful that my kid is safe and well cared for at Cornell!”

Be part of the conversation

We are delighted to publish letters and social media mentions. Tag @cornellcollege to be considered on social media. Send letters to cornellreport@cornellcollege.edu or Cornell Report, Box 1648, 600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1098. Submissions are edited for style, length, and clarity.