Global Warming: Science, Not Politics
Having been intimately involved with natural resource conservation and use for the last 43 years, I read the Green Edition (summer 2019) with interest. Congratulations to all on campus and in the wider community for the prudent environmental developments across the years. Those reflect the industrial and agricultural accomplishments that have kept our nation among the foremost, if not the foremost, in successful and productive environmental management.
I commend Colgate for concrete steps taken, such as reducing energy and water consumption. That said, I am disappointed with the extent that political science frequently overrides natural science. Sadly, disregarding the scientific method has become typical for many in this country and others, as exemplified by the “Inquisitor” panel on climate change.
Galileo had it right with earlier inquisitors, and there is solace that I and the 32,000 other signatories of the Global Warming Petition Project will be proven correct. My hope is that we strive again toward grounding in natural science so that societies may avert the tragedies that will come due if the Green New Deal and similar schemes of politicized science are enacted.
Ralph R. Sacrison ’76
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In a recent survey to measure alumni engagement (conducted by GG+A SurveyLab), 84.2% of respondents said Colgate Magazine is their main preference for receiving information from the University. A total of 4,798, or 17%, participated in the survey, which is above industry average.
Appreciating CNY History
“Before Payne’s Farm” hit home with me. At Colgate I was focused on academics, determined to provide a return on the gift my parents gave me. That focus paid off, and I have always appreciated the unique values of my Colgate education: an ability to see connections between disparate disciplines and a passion for continuous learning.
These days, however, I have a few regrets about my Colgate experience: One regret is that I did not explore and experience the history and culture of the Chenango Valley and surrounding region. I now find myself reading and exploring the history and culture of every place I visit, including the central New York area. In exploring the history of the Erie Canal, I was surprised to find out there was a Chenango Canal that went right through Hamilton, complete with locks and reservoirs and help from French canal experts. I was right next to this history in my Colgate days but had no clue.
Thanks for publishing articles on the history of Colgate and the Hamilton area. The sense of place that these articles provide adds an important dimension to our path through life.
Tim Schneeberger ’72
Social Media Snippets
Love this cover.
Kandi Alfaro P’19
@kandialfaro
Great direction — keep going.
Barbara Morrill (widow of Dexter Morrill ’60)
“New Residence Hall Named in Honor of Prof. Jane Lagoudis Pinchin,”:
Jane Pinchin was interim president on 9/11, and I will always remember her steady leadership during that time. Love this!
Scott Hudson ’03
Fitting tribute to someone who has meant so much to Colgate in so many ways. Well done!
Jim Leach
As a member of the Class of 1974, the first year women were accepted as freshmen, I applaud this well-deserved honor! Brava, Jane Pinchin! Brava!
Carmela McCain Simmons ’74
Wow, I’m so delighted to read this! I will never forget women’s literature classes with Profs Pinchin and Maurer!
Pamela Mudge-Wood ’82
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