Thanks for a great issue. You explored the issue of religion and education in a balanced and fair way. The Methodist roots of AC are often overlooked. While the church may not support the majority of money in the present, the history of past financial and spiritual support has meant the survival of Adrian College. While it is true that a mix of religions make up the student body, with Methodists no longer the majority, the Wesleyan base of reason and faith help give the college an edge over other educational institutions. At Adrian it is really true that education extends far beyond the classroom and facts. The staff, faculty and church relationships guide the students to consider things from ethical and spiritual viewpoints as well.

My wife is an ordained United Methodist pastor in Wisconsin. She and I were talking just the past week about the role the church plays in education and my roots at AC. Your issue should serve as a call to the churches, and especially the United Methodist Church, that such support is needed now more than ever. We need to increase our commitment to education through financial support, recruitment and scholarships. When I served in the parish ministry, I saw everyday how my experience at Adrian made a difference because of the interlocking of faith and learning. Now as I work in the business world of banking, I see how a world view that includes the role of faith is needed even more.

Thanks again for a great issue and a chance for us active in the church to consider the role that we choose to play in the education and future of the next generation. Keep up the good work.
  
B. Bradley Green ’81
Oakfield, Wisc.

The issue was extremely interesting and I enjoyed the articles immensely. I found that Brad Whitehouse’s article, “The Spiritual Journey: Faith Challenges of Young Adulthood,” really touched on the challenges our young people face as they grow into adulthood and their religious beliefs. In this time of turmoil it was gratifying to learn that young adults can demonstrate a strong commitment to their own religion while still showing tolerance and understanding to those of different faiths. Different governments, caught up in conflict around the world, can learn from these future leaders.

Peace and Shalom,

Jerome King Del Pino
General Secretary
General Board of Higher Education & Ministry
Nashville, Tenn.

As a ’63 alumnus, I am extremely proud of Adrian College.

Congratulations on the best issue of Contact I have ever seen. I appreciate your stressing the very reason we have Adrian College.

We toss the pebble into the water and the ripples radiate outward. Most of the time we never know how we impact other lives.

Thank you.
 
Jon Bohannon ’63
Bremen, Ind.

I genuinely appreciated the Winter 2003 Contact arriving in the mail this week. I particularly enjoyed the article on Asa Mahan and Dr. Lee Anna Starr. I hope more features on the history of Adrian are forthcoming.
 

I look forward to the Bygone Buildings information written for every issue. I note chapel was mandatory when the South Hall bell rang. It behooves AC for the better to reinstitute this requirement.

Respectfully,
 
David Paul Putnam ’77
Grand Rapids