To the editor

I read the recent issue standing in line to vote. What a propitious time to read about ethics in journalism! I must admit I’ve spent a lot more time on ethical questions this fall than ever before. Students have been responding, and their minds take a major leap at times. Bravo for the majors that require the course in ethics. A cross-major ethics course would be a worthwhile addition to any communications degree, and if professors took turns teaching the course, it would raise awareness among the faculty as well. Keep looking deeply, please.

—Peggy O’Neal Elliott, JM 1974, MAMC 1978
Instructor, Department of Communications University of South Carolina, Aiken

I thoroughly enjoyed the latest edition but must question your judgment in making the letter n appear backwards in headlines throughout the cover story, “Exploring ethics education.” If UF is going to continue its ascension to the upper echelons of academia then we must forsake that which appears quaint in favor of that which is correct. I doubt the Columbia Journalism Review intentionally prints letters backwards. If my tone seems harsh it’s because I value my degree as much as you do yours.

—David Knox, JM 1999, Jacksonville

I received this publication for many years but have only read it a few times. Seeing Prof. Jon Roosenraad’s face on the cover compelled me to look inside. What a find!

Boaz Dvir, JM 1988, is a balanced and thoughtful writer. I too benefited greatly from Roosenraad’s ethics class, especially when faced with newsroom trauma immediately after graduation. I am pursuing a communications master’s degree so I can be in a college classroom encouraging the same kind of critical conversations. I also enjoyed his story on Eddie Sears, JM 1967, a former boss of mine. The Palm Beach Post continues to be a trailblazer in flair and creativity and is simply a good read. And yes, its editorial pages definitely bite. Thank you for a wonderful job, communigator. Please keep it up.

—Michelle Brown , JM 1990
President. Kaliah Communications, Lake Worth

The communigator is looking first rate, and makes me proud to be a Gator. Kudos to you and the great staff. When the College moved from the stadium, I moved much of the archives and faculty office contents. I worked in the office for then-Dean Ralph Lowenstein and Associate Dean Jim Terhune for two years.

—Michael Cohen, ADV 1981, New York

I love your work and have truly enjoyed following the growth of this worthy publication. It is a powerful vehicle for teaching practical journalism skills to students, and an engaging medium connecting alumni to UF. It is a source of pride, a beacon of intellect and creativity representing one of the finest journalism schools in the nation. As such, this last issue was also a source of mild embarrassment, although I laughed out loud when I read it. On Page 14, there is a fact error (usage error?) in the caption on the photo of the journalism building’s roof. It reads, “UF Physical Plant plans to relocate these satellites to lay down a new roof.” The nearest satellites I know of are 165 miles away at the JFK Space Center. Such an oversight could be termed a “geographical indiscretion” in a local newspaper, but to find it in the alumni magazine of our College? Ouch.

Please know two things: I’m surprised and disappointed to see such an error in the use of terms any student or faculty in Weimer Hall should know, and I am very proud of the hard work, spirit and sense of pride that goes into the creation of the communigator. Keep up the good work!

—John Poage, TEL 1986
Bright House Networks (North Ops.) Palm Coast