Allegheny Magazine

1

I miss the fried cauliflower and the rich chocolate cake with the white icing. I miss seeing the snow falling through the lights on campus. I miss catching bats that came onto the top floor of Brooks Hall. I miss Mr. Kleeman’s kindly listening ear and wise artistic advice. I miss the thrilling adventures we had like putting a calf on the administration building and slipping out at night after the Pinkerton persons passed by. I miss the mental challenges that met us at every corner and most of all the friends for life.

— BJ Gray ’66

3

Two things made Allegheny College special for me: singing under a grandfatherly Dr. Morten Luvaas for four years, experiencing the most beautiful choral sounds I’ve ever heard, and seeing the lovely rhododendrons in bloom in the Ravine after the harsh winter snows. “Fair Allegheny, yonder on the hill …”

— Ted Goldsborough ’61

I loved the fact that you didn’t have to major in music or drama or art to be a part of a choir or play or take an art course. I really love 46 years later the choir reunions where we connect with Allegheny, music, and friends. Can’t wait for the next one!

— Sue Golier ’64

I have never heard anything as breathtakingly beautiful as the Alma Mater as performed by the choirs and alumni after the holiday concert. As the first F note echoed through the packed stairwell, the spirit and the history of Allegheny overcame me. I am so honored to be a part of the tradition.

— Kate Rekrut ’14

5

The beauty of the campus is what I love the most. Also, how caring the professors were; you were a student and a friend, not just a number in the “system.” What do I miss? Skipper Knights’ history lectures and seminars, which challenged you to think, analyze, and come up with your own opinions. The Grill in the basement of Cochran, football games, fraternity life—the best four years of my life.

– Donald Zuris ’66

7

I love Allegheny for a wide variety of reasons, but probably most importantly for the way the faculty and students interact as a family. In my four years at Allegheny I have had professors invite me over for dinner, teach me to change my car oil, comfort me after the death of a parent, and ask me if I’m okay when I look a little down. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to meet such wonderful people.

– Emma Helverson ’11

I love Allegheny professors who care and are so committed to their students that they remembered me after not seeing me for 34 years.

– Holly Eckstein ’77

IAllegheny was unique in that it was possible to interact with the faculty easily without layers to keep you away. I especially enjoyed being able to walk into a professor’s office in the afternoon, sit down and have an informal discussion with him or her.

– Frank Weinstock ’55

9

Allegheny feels like home when you’re there. The first time I stepped onto campus to take a tour, I knew that I was supposed to be there. When people asked me why I chose Allegheny, I said that “it just felt right.”

– Carolyn Kuzell ’09

11

I love Bentley Hall, which is a good thing since I’ve spent more time in it than any other building in my life, including my childhood home. I love the tilting staircase, the noisy radiators, and the 100-year-old graffiti in the bell tower. I hope we can preserve its quirky character for another 200 years.

– Dave McInally, Executive Vice President and Treasurer

The Bentley bell tower! I always loved hearing the alma mater chime out in the evenings, but I remember a few times being caught off guard by the Beatles’ “Lady Madonna” ringing out at midday. I miss walking across campus at night—warm nights were great, but lamp-lit, snowy nights were even better!

– Catriona Todd ’07

13

I love my Entrepreneurship class. Professors Allison and Golden blend academic and anecdotal experience to teach the valuable art of problem solving, where grades are less important than the quality and creativity within our ideas. One of us will change the world someday. We just need time—and seed funding. (There should be exactly 50 words. I like to maximize my allowance.)

– Loren Horst ’12

15

I love that Allegheny College continues to provide outstanding models for young women who love learning. Blair Hanson and Marge Kirk have passed away but were hugely influential. Jeanne Braham moved onto chapbook publishing. Courtenay Dodge is finishing up her long career. Classmate Rosemary Feal leads the Modern Language Association.

– Cheryl Torsney ’77

17

I love being part of the College’s historic past and am excited about its future. Allegheny also led me to my greatest love: my wife, Amanda (class of ’99). We didn’t know each other at school, but our shared Allegheny experience led us to start dating several years after graduation, and the rest is history. In gratitude, Allegheny, we have a prospective student at home who will be ready for admission in 2028!

– Jim Stokes ’98

19

I love the sense of determination and achievement in Steffee Hall of Sciences, and the people who work there. The professors want to help the students learn science, and the students are engaged in meaningful work with their professors. The atmosphere in the building holds so much potential for discovery.

– Carolyn Kiliany ’11

I have always loved the air of confidence one can sense walking through campus. Students at Allegheny have a sense of purpose.

– Tony Taliani ’09

21

I miss the foul weather, the continual slate-grey skies. Since I left Allegheny to come to Northern California in 1963, I have had to endure 48 years of beautiful scenery, illuminated by sunny skies, while being bathed by moderate temperatures year ‘round. Oh for the days when I had to slog through sleet, rain, or snow to go to classes. Even better, I was Phi Delt and I had to trudge all the way up and down that hill to the old Huidekoper Mansion, just to get a meal or a bed. Here in Berkeley, CA, it is almost impossible to suffer daily the way the hardy souls of Allegheny, staff and students alike, get to do every day. It builds character, and mine has slipped away while living in Lotus-land.

– Bruce Africa ’63

23

At night, when you stand in our new Gator quad and look up at the three lit floors of the Campus Center, you can see students studying in Grounds for Change, debating the latest campus issues over a late night snack in McKinley’s, planning future events at an ABC or ASG meeting, studying for their exams … all while the “Gator Pride” sign over the entrance of the building glows. It is the perfect snapshot of our vibrant campus and it makes me love Allegheny every time.

– Ellen Nolan, Associate Director of Alumni Affairs

25

What do I love about Allegheny? That is easy. I love everything about Allegheny.

– Pam Teasdale, 22-year employee with the College’s Office of Safety and Security