Dear Editor,

I recently graduated from the University of La Verne with a degree in music. I am currently a student at Claremont Graduate University pursuing a masters degree in violin performance. I am writing to you because I am compelled to voice my concern at the possibility of the elimination of the music scholarship at the University of La Verne [“Budget shows ULV’s true priorities,” April 15]. Music is a powerful form of human expression which should be valued and cultivated. Here I would like to put forth some reasons why a music degree program at the University is so important.

The study of music is a pursuit which promotes understanding on many levels. When one studies music, one is exposed to ideas and styles from cultures around the world. For students, music promotes the detailed exploration of history, geography and sociology pertaining to the people from which the works come. This study leads to a deeper understanding of the people from far away times and places and those who we see every day. The performance of music also, through its challenges and rewards, often encourages self discipline and humility in students as well as confidence. One who has long studied music has the wonderful opportunity to share knowledge with young people who need encouragement and a positive way to express themselves. As a performing art, music brings people together in a mutual experience which allows for the exchange of ideas through writing and conversation. This supports further artistic and cultural developments as well as greater cohesion within the community. When musicians themselves come together to perform in orchestras, bands and other musical groups, they represent a collection of unique individuals, often from around the world, working together for a common purpose: that of creating music for those around them.

Finally, music itself often depicts that which is most noble, beautiful, and profound in our daily lives.

Because music is so important to me and so many people, I ask that the music scholarship at the University of La Verne be retained. Music is more than sound. It is the voice of the human mind and heart. It expresses in a way which no words can, the struggles and hopes of people around the world.

Danielle Rosaria Cummins
Class of 2005

Dear Editor,

I have to admit that I don’t make it a habit to read through the Campus Times on a regular basis. So you might imagine my shock reading the letters to the editor printed this week [May 6]. I had not heard about nor read Mr. Leveton's initial comments [“Letters to the Editor,” April 29] so I quickly looked up the online version. At this moment, Dr. Jeanne Flora and I have just caught up with all the information and we are completely stunned.

We want to make it very clear that the opinion of Mr. Leveton cannot be further from that of our department. We have nothing but the deepest respect for all of the wonderful work that the music, theater, art and photography departments have accomplished in the past and the amazing heights that you will continue to help our students reach in the future. For the most obvious reasons, we simply cannot envision an Arts and Sciences College without the arts.

As speech communication professionals, we always caution our students to research and think before they allow their ideas to escape the confines of their private thoughts; to seek the truths that may be hidden from them; and comprehend the consequences that inevitably fall upon their actions. But as teachers, we have to stand helplessly by when our instruction goes unheeded.

Ian Lising
Instructor of Speech and Debate

Dear Editor,

I am responding to the war of words which one of my debaters, Jacob Leveton, decided to inappropriately start. As the captain of the debate team I certainly would like to share my concerns with Mr. Gratz as well as Mr. Watabayashi and Mr. Lahr. As the voice and leader of my team, we have the deepest respect for the theater and arts departments, as we would any other department for that matter (yes, even business). ULV debate is not compromised of solely speech communications majors. Our debate veterans consist of such superstars as Ryan Knowles, Kim Reed and Ross the Intern. So, as Jacob is one of “my children,” I must apologize for any inappropriate assumptions he did not think out to the fullest (obviously). However....

If there are any elements we must extrapolate from this “irresponsible” assertion from Mr. Leveton, I believe they need to be addressed. First and foremost – believe it or not, we need the Jacob Levetons in this world. Yes, he is a ULV debater. Yes, he will always be a ULV debater. And yes, I will castrate him (hee hee). However, the reason we need the Jacobs in this world concerns the issue of “argumentation.” Nobody can contest that free speech is important. But, along that same line, we need to hear these types of arguments in order to discern what is right and what is wrong. Because in order to learn how to deal with incompetence, we must first listen and learn how to argue against it. There is no issue in this world that cannot be defended. It may not be right and you might not agree with it, but you cannot dismiss it and let it not be heard. In fact, it is more intellectual and to your advantage to listen to a crappy or racist argument and to take it down using prudence and knowledge (as did some of you and I applaud you; I would love to recruit you for our team). But Jacob’s concern and opinions have a right to be heard or printed. Of course, I, and many of you are able to learn from class or life itself and know that to argue by example is very weak. So Jacob’s remarks may not be to your liking and we may disagree with him, but maybe there are some out there who do not. But again, his remarks must be heard in order for us to disagree.

Now, one particular person almost made the same mistake Jacob did. I am referring to Mr. Gratz. He stated in his letter, “If Jacob is a part of the debate team at ULV, his letter certainly negates the respect I have had for the ‘world rankings’’ to which he refers.” Well, Jacob is a part of the debate team at ULV. He is my fellow debater and he will continue to be a part of this team. However, I certainly hope you do not make the mistake of this subject/object problem that exists in this world. You cannot objectify “one’s” remarks, specifically to the ULV debate team. Imagine if we all did this? I’m guessing Rousseau’s works would not be great because he was a flasher. Or Catholic priests and their advice would be dismissed because one decided to molest children.

ULV and our world rankings are there because we earned it. Please do not lose respect for us just because one individual’s opinion was voiced and printed. That opinion represents who he is and what he thinks and he is entitled to that. I would hope you do not look to any other affiliation Jacob is involved in and demote that also.

Thank You for listening (or reading) as we did with you.

Rob Ruiz
Debate Team Captain

Greek Week Fundraising

Dear Editor,

Greek Week was last week, culminating in a lip-sync by three sororities and one fraternity. I enjoyed being a judge, but it was tough because the enthusiasm was incredible! I am proud of these students for many reasons, not the least of which is putting on this show during the last weeks of class. They will remember these experiences and they will enrich their lives. But Kapono, what were you thinking with that outfit?

The Penny War raised more than $2,500 for the Pomona Valley Workshop, which employs developmentally disabled adults and seniors in Montclair. That is 250,000 pennies!

As a board member at PVW, I am so grateful to the students for putting their incredible energy behind this very worthy cause. The people that PVW employs suffer from Down Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other illnesses. They will never have the chance that our students do to get an education, to raise a family or own a home.

The money raised this week will go to support the programs that are so important to give these people an opportunity to participate in product-generating activities that contribute to the community.

Thank you, Chip West, for helping PVW to realize this dream, and thank you, thank you, thank you to all the wonderful Greek members who raised this incredible amount of money! You have every right to be very proud of what you have accomplished, as students and as admirable human beings.

Janis Dietz
Professor of Business Administration

Dear Editor,

The Penny Wars which were held during Greek Week have genuinely touched the hearts and the lives of the people associated with Pomona Valley Workshop (PVW).

Being selected as the charity that would benefit from this phenomenal fundraiser was an honor in and of itself and we thank Chip West for everything he did to promote our organization. But being in attendance on Saturday night at the Lip Sync Contest and being presented with the oversized check in the amount $2,559.27 was absolutely overwhelming! You have no idea what this gift means to PVW!

What the Greek Members put their energy toward and supported through this great effort will help enrich the lives of people who have disabilities through programs offered by PVW which focus on vocational training, employment preparation, job placement, community integration and senior citizen specialties, helping people with disabilities reach their potential.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and individuals with disabilities whom we serve, thank you to all the Greek members for this overwhelming gift you have provided to PVW! You are to be commended not only for this fantastic effort and the incredible amount of money raised, but much more for this wonderful demonstration of what it means to care about those less fortunate. Thank you!

Karen Jones
Executive Director, Pomona Valley Workshop