One North College

A Dose of Optimism

Thanks for getting the Voice to me on November 5. It was waiting for me to focus on the good that is happening on my former campus, helping me to be optimistic and to put aside temporarily what tragedies are likely to be coming in our country’s future.

Reading Kao Kalia Yang’s inspiring article “Against the Odds” made me appreciate what it must be like for first generation and low-income new students to come to Carleton’s largely white campus and the great work that TRIO is doing. Learning about Roger Faust’s return to campus added excitement to Carleton’s increasing focus on the Indigenous peoples from whom we whites stole land and cultures.

I now feel more refreshed and a bit more positive. Thank you all!

— Suzanne Carlson ’60

Sweet Memories

One of the best things about living in Goodhue during my freshman year was its dining hall. Most of my friends ate there, so I often had to hustle from the far end of campus before the dining staff finished serving. Once or twice a month, they served Rice Krispies Treats—my favorite—but by the time I arrived, they were always gone. After asking several times if even one treat was left, Debbie took pity on me.

Later that semester I showed up for lunch and, again, only crumbs remained. Imagine my surprise when Debbie appeared with a plate of Rice Krispies Treats, arranged like a pyramid, and placed it right on my tray! I was overwhelmed by her kindness, and my friends were amazed by my good fortune, which, of course, they eagerly shared with me.

This past June, at my 35th reunion, our class enjoyed a lavish meal, and again dessert was snapped up by other alumni before I even realized it was being served. When I asked if any was left, it was Debbie, once again, who came to the rescue! The other alumni sitting at the table thrilled when hearing the story and insisted on capturing the moment with a photo. I’ve since learned that Debbie—Debra Swenson, dining services staff—is retiring after 40 years of service. I’ll miss seeing her at future reunions, but I’ll always be grateful for her kindness all those years ago—and for making sure I didn’t miss out on dessert decades later!

— Marc Walwyn ’89

Ride the Shark

The Voice’s attention to Sharkmania (“How Sharkmania Became a Modern Obsession,” Fall 2024) reminded me of something that occurred to me when I was a Boy Scout about 80 years ago. One night a Navy man gave our troop a talk on sharks. I remember the two ways we should respond if a shark came at us. One was to quickly step aside and kick it in the belly. The other was to grab a fin and ride it. I lived in land-locked Nebraska, but still remember the advice: ridiculous.

— Bill Buffett ’55