USD Magazine Spring 2007

LETTERS TO THE EDI TOR

[ c o u n t e r p o i n t s ]

Meaningful Discourse In the last issue of USD Magazine (Fall 2006), we ran a story about a topiary garden at the home of Alex Harper ’83 (J.D.) and his wife, Edna, titled “Green Elephants and Leafy Pyramids.” It was meant to be a light-hearted piece celebrat- ing a hillside wonderland filled with whimsical greenery. Unfortunately, in our attempt to craft an entertaining and colorful story, we ran a caption that could be preceived as insen- sitive and offensive. The text in question describes the topiary’s gardener in the following manner: “See the little guy in the front wearing a hat? That’s a ‘self-portrait’ of Pedro, the full- time gardener who helps bring all this whimsy to life.” As was subsequently pointed out, this description is insulting and hurtful to some members of the university community. Specific concerns included that the gardener was diminished in status by being referred to as “the little guy,” a familiar, unpro- fessional and arguably demeaning characterization. Furthermore, the gardener is called by his first name only, again reducing his status and showing disrespect. Finally, it can be construed that highlighting a caricature of a Mexican man as a self-portrait reduces the real person to a stereotype. While none of this was the intent of the story’s author or the editor of the magazine, we have a duty to be respectful to all of the subjects of our stories. More care might have been taken to assure that we did not unconsciously rely on stereotypic or offensive depic- tions of anyone in the pages of this magazine. For the record, the full name of the gardener who has worked

Fall 2006) — on my doorstep. Wow! What a spread! It looks beautiful, and the story is great. I can't thank you enough for the wonderful story, the beautiful pictures and your opinion that my life and music were worth creating all the aforementioned for. What a heartwarming welcome home and a tangible measure of my own life. Thank you, thank you. Great cover piece on a very special fellow alum, Brigitte DeMeyer. The music is outstanding, and I would have never heard it had it not been for your article. I’m still living my double life (as an investment coun- selor/musician) and am enjoying every minute of it! — JimHitchcock ’83 I just wanted to thank you for the story on Brigitte DeMeyer. I thor- oughly enjoyed learning how Brigitte is chasing her dream and how happy she is. If I close my eyes, I can see wonderful memories of Brigitte driving her blue convertible Volkswagen Bug through campus, and I start smiling as I remember her infectious smile and laugh. I look forward to seeing her on VH1 soon. —Brigitte DeMeyer ’86 I wanted to compliment USD Magazine on the wonderful article featuring Brigitte DeMeyer. When I received the magazine in the mail I was instantly drawn to the cover and the story inside; the pic- tures surrounding the article were beautiful and truly portrayed Brigitte's unique style. I have been fortunate enough to hear Brigitte play in person and her music is amazing. Thanks for the great story on a great alumni!! —Paul Van Stone ’85

alongside Edna Harper to create the hillside topiary for many years is Pedro Duran Vidal, a 36-year-old man from Oaxaca, Mexico. In a recent meeting with mem- bers of the university’s Committee on Inclusion and Diversity and the editor of this magazine, ideas were exchanged on how USD Magazine ’s goals can continually strive to remain in line with the mission of our university, and to actively and foster cultural diver- sity. We are grateful for the opportunity to hear the concerns of all members of the university community and welcome the input of all of those who take pride in the University of San Diego, its mission and its magazine. We take great care to make sure that each issue of USD Magazine reflects the diversity of our campus community, and welcome this reminder that we need to be ever- vigilant in the ways that we show respect for all members of the communities that the magazine and the university serve. Our genuine apologies are offered. While it was never our intent to be insensitive or hurtful, we sincerely regret causing offense. Be assured that we will continue to listen, to learn and consider how best to respect diverse cultures in our pages. —Editor Write us ... We welcome letters to the editor about articles in the magazine. Letters may be edited for length and content, and must include a daytime phone number. Write: Editor, USD Magazine , 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA 92110. E-mail: letters@sandiego.edu.

Wowzers! I love your most recent issue of USD Magazine (Fall 2006). My hus- band, Ben Mosley ’00, and I have lived all around the world since graduating from USD and getting married in Founders Chapel. We are always so proud to share our university with new friends. We are incredibly thankful for USD and all that it has to offer its students. May God continue to bless this amazing place! —Robin (Perkins) Mosley ’01 Wow! USD Magazine is really fan- tastic. I look forward to reading every issue, and the photos are superb. Ms. Snyder’s “Editorial License” is always inspiring and real. We are really fortunate in having a magazine of this caliber produced on campus. The caring, visual eye, content and organiza- tion of staff really shows. Keep up the great work. Thank you. —Rickey Jayne Vignati Special Assistant to the Vice President, Student Affairs Some Kind of Wonderful Just got back from a great and productive trip playing in Nashville for the Americana Music Association conference to find the new USD Magazine — and the cover story profiling my life and career (“Someone After All,”

—Laura (Miller) Hasshaw ’85

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SPRING 2007