Letters

Winter 2017

A well-deserved tribute

Thank you for the recent story on Steve Riggs ’65 (“To the limit of his ability”). I roomed with Steve for a year, and he was a good friend.

Steve was everything said about him in the article — and more. I know how hard he worked on his studies and his hockey. He represented everything that Colgate hopes for. He was kind and thoughtful, but also a product of the North Country, reflecting the sense of honor and duty to his family and environment.

I was working in Colorado when I learned of Steve’s death [in Vietnam], and it hit me hard. It was the first time that I really thought about our involvement in [the war]. Before then, it was just a few news items in the papers and on TV. I hadn’t taken the time to examine all sides of the conflict at home. I learned that if we are going to send young men and women into combat, we had better be damned sure of what we risk losing and winning. It’s sad for me to realize that [it took] the death of a good friend for me to measure those goals more carefully.

Thomas F. O’Hare ’66, MA’67
Hopkinton, Mass.

Thank you for the terrific feature article on The Class of 1965 Arena in the autumn 2016 Scene and the moving tribute to Steven J. Riggs ’65, in whose memory Colgate’s new rink was named. However, I take strong exception with your unnecessary editorial comment: “a war synonymous with discord, incompetence, and waste,” which dishonors the service of many Vietnam War veterans, including me.

Rollie Sterrett ’65
USAF veteran, Vietnam War 1966–67
Simsbury, Conn.

Steve was a fine hockey player and a great man. I loved him as a brother. We played together at Ft. Devens, and I was in his wedding. His son, Steve, is a chip off the old block. We had lots of fun together, golfing and playing hockey. Those were the days. I miss him dearly. He was a hero.

Leo Gould 

Steve Riggs holding a hockey stick in his Fort Devens uniform

This is my first letter to the Scene in the 48 years since my graduation. I usually read the Scene cover to cover, and I am always impressed with all of the excellently written articles. Mark Walden’s article on Steven J. Riggs ’65 was outstanding. I would encourage the administration to make this required reading for all incoming students. The article tells how and why the rink was named after Steven J. Riggs. It also tells us about the sacrifices people like him have made since the founding of our nation to assure us the freedom that we enjoy. This story and those like it are worth preserving for the future!

G. Carson McEachern ’68
Naples, Fla.

I was very impressed with the article. No words can express my gratitude for the honor bestowed upon my brother, Steve. Our mother and father would have been so proud, as I am. “To the Limit of His Ability — Remembering Steven J. Riggs ’65” captures who Steve was to the fullest. My sincere thanks to you, your staff, all the members of the Class of ’65, and others who contributed in any way to making this tribute happen.

William Riggs
So. Colton, N.Y.


Remembering Professor Aizawa

Professor Yoichi Aizawa lecturingEditor’s note: Read a full obituary for Yoichi Aizawa here.

Although I was a computer science major, with strong support and encouragement from Professor Aizawa, I began studying Japanese and joined the 1986 Japan study group. After experiencing Colgate’s excellent Japanese studies program, again with Aizawa sensei’s support, I went on to graduate school and have spent most of the last 25 years working in Tokyo for international banking and financial services companies.

My life and my career were strongly impacted by Aizawa sensei, and I know I will always continue to feel his influence and kindness. Every couple of years, he would arrange dinner gatherings during his Tokyo visits so we alums could all catch up.  He was a truly great man and an excellent teacher, with a large impact and continuing influence on many people’s lives.

Mark E. Davis ’86
Tokyo, Japan


Art appreciation

My mother, Ruth Levine, passed away several months after her one hundredth birthday. Going through her things, I came across a painting she did of the Willow Path many years ago. I don’t remember if she painted it while my brother, Robert Levine ’62, attended Colgate or during my tenure. My parents, Ruth and David Levine, were multiple-year donors to the Society of Families.

Ken Levine ’67
Williamsburg, Va.

Scenic painting of Payne Creek and Willow Path on campus

A grandmother’s gratitude

This is a letter of gratitude for the recent years of your providing me, the grandmother of Jessica Ach ’15, with the wonderful issues of the Scene.

I read each issue cover to cover, enjoy the scenery, and am amazed by the quality of the photography and articles — a wonderful experience with each issue!

Thanks to Colgate University for including this grandmother! Keep up the good work!

Sarah C. Ach
Glenview, Ill. 


Picture this: stunning Colgate University photography, just a click away

Visit our online galleries to order customized photographic prints in a variety of sizes. Bring home images you’ve seen in the Colgate Scene and other university publications as well as scenic views from around one of America’s most beautiful campuses.

Winter scenic photo of campus. Dinosaur skull and other samples in the Linsley Geology Museum