I am writing to suggest that Bridget McIlwee reconsider her opinion that the university's goals of promoting academic excellence and maintaining a Marianist sense of community on campus are mutually incompatible.

I don't believe that it is the cultivation of elitism which prompts our administration to promote an elevated sense of intellectual achievement. Rather, I believe that the real motivation is to inspire us to raise our self-esteem and improve our performance as a learning community.

There, I've said it: a learning COMMUNITY.

The wonderful students who are drawn to the University of Dayton will always be able to contribute to and enjoy the family spirit which pervades the UD experience. At the same time, these very students will, by their own goal-inspired performances, create a level of intellectual conversation which can only make our learning community better.

A better university community, then, is the real goal.

John M. Spellman
Alumni
Class of 1965