Praise for Miscellanea

Letter to the editor: In support of Professor Bisbee

I’m writing in regard to the article about the student petition in support of Professor John Bisbee in last week’s issue of The Orient. I was instrumental in recruiting Professor Bisbee 19 years ago, and I have never wavered in my conviction that he is an exceptional and unusually gifted teacher, a generous and insightful mentor and a remarkably innovative artist whose creative and professional achievements have continued to flourish with each passing year.
A generation of Bowdoin graduates from many fields, as well as the arts, proudly trace their life’s work to his example of personal and creative integrity, and his inspiring presence will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,Mark Wethli, A. LeRoy Greason Professor of Art

Letter to the editor: A letter from Gregg Abella '92

I was hoping with a change in administration that some of Bowdoin's PC rhetoric would be tempered with at least a modicum of reality. No such luck.
As an alum with immediate family members of Mexican descent, I was annoyed by the news regarding a “tequila" party held on campus. I was not upset by the alleged events, but by the politically-correct environment that has spun out of control at Bowdoin.
Coddling each student’s particular sensitivities leaves him/her woefully unprepared for the outside world (and the reality of others' first amendment rights). It also (erroneously) gives the impression that one can expect to modify others' behavior by whining about it, and then retreating to a "safe space" free of "micro-aggressions."
Bowdoin students need to be taught tough life lessons. In the real world, people may do or say things that one dislikes. Simply being put off, though, doesn't necessarily provide a legal basis for one to demand certain behavior from others. No PC bubble exists in the real world—in the US, or even Mexico.
Gregg Abella '92
P.S. If sombreros and tequila offend you, don’t attend a soccer match at Estadio Azteca. Your head will explode.

Letter to the editor

January 28, 2016

I’d like to pass on some praise for a wonderful group of young women at Bowdoin.

A few weeks ago, my wife gave birth to our second child. She has gone through some severe postpartum depression. Knowing she liked a cappella, I reached out to Bowdoin College Miscellania and asked if they would be willing to stop in and sing some Christmas Carols to brighten her spirits and provide some entertainment for our two-year old daughter. The group obliged with no expectation of financial gain, publicity or other benefit. I had no prior connection to the group or Bowdoin College (in fact, they came despite both of us being Colby grads).

The small gesture renewed a bit of my faith in the kindness of people amidst a time in the world where turmoil and negativity seems to overwhelm our thoughts.

I just thought you would like to know.

Best wishes,
Andrew Jenkins, Colby College '06

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