Letters to the Editor

Only too happy to follow her lead

As Moore College of Art & Design president, Happy Fernandez created a great legacy that will be felt for countless decades to come.

The college completed a $30 million capital campaign, secured more than $3.5 million in scholarships and fellowships, and introduced coed graduate programs and two new undergraduate majors. Fernandez's commitment to the college's career-focused mission led to required internships in all majors and the funding of a unique internship fellowship for every junior. Moore also was one of the first art and design colleges to partner with Apple to provide iPads widely.

But there is other work to be done, and I am committed to building upon the high quality of arts education Fernandez led, while also propelling the college forward. We will focus on developing additional programs to fuel the creative economy by preparing arts entrepreneurs and leaders, and also increase Moore's presence in the community and beyond by continuing to grow admissions, improve academic programs, and create a dynamic technological campus. A new interactive and motion-arts major will be launched this fall.

The college remains poised and committed to Moore's mission to educate women for successful careers in art and design, producing graduates who distinguish themselves as leaders in their fields.

Cecelia Fitzgibbon, Moore College president, cfitzgibbon@moore.edu

Their Wellesley ways showing

Reading recent tributes to Happy Fernandez and news accounts of Hillary Clinton's congressional hearing revealed how much these remarkable women were able to contribute to their communities - local, national, and international.

By coincidence, both are alumnae of my alma mater, which has maintained its commitment to educating women. Granted, each succeeded, in part, through God-given talents. But their energy, concern, and perseverance put their talents to purposeful pursuits. Wellesley's motto, non ministrari sed ministrare, meaning "not to be ministered unto but to minister," certainly played a part in urging them to lead meaningful lives.

And as an educator, I do believe the college's liberal-arts focus, now being questioned in some areas, deserves some credit for allowing Fernandez and Clinton to unleash and hone their abilities.

Suzanne F. Scott, Lafayette Hill

Different view from the stalls

I part company with reviewer David Patrick Stearns when he says the Walnut Street Theatre's Wilde production cast "was uneven in significant places" and "vaguely unsatisfying." ("Not ideal Oscar Wilde, but with hints of it," Jan. 25)

I can't imagine a stronger cast: Every role was played most appropriately understated, with understanding and high style. The comparison of lead actor Luigi Sottile to Seinfeld is simply off the wall. Lord Goring's "underlying sweetness" came out at the right moments, and Lynnia Shanley (playing Mable) had plenty of "soul" when called for. Mention also should have been given to Malcolm Black for his superior direction.

Marc Mostovoy, Philadelphia

School nursing challenges

An acquaintance recently remarked that, as a substitute school nurse, I was lucky to have such an easy job - and then asked where I worked when I was a nurse. So I would like to clear up some misconceptions.

School nurses are well-educated, credentialed health professionals who specialize in school nursing. All Pennsylvania RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, but certified school nurses must have 180 hours every five years - more than twice as much.

As for the "easy" part, I know nurses with critical-care backgrounds who find school nursing more challenging. In Pennsylvania, each school nurse may be responsible for up to 1,500 students. The number of students with medical problems - asthma, diabetes, and mental-health issues are particularly common - increases yearly. Many schools have students who require tube feedings, catheterization, and monitoring.

I'm guessing that my acquaintance is not the only one misinformed. When administrators and legislators consider privatization, increasing caseloads, and dropping certification requirements, I hope the well-informed public speaks out. The welfare of our children depends on it.

Suzanne Holland, MSN, RN, Meadowbrook

Arming against tax hikes

With the federal government (over half of its budget being military) hard-pressed for revenue, programs have been cut that once funded states. State budgets are then cut, forcing schools and municipalities to raise property taxes. So, if you are a fan of the military-industrial-congressional complex, you're also a fan of higher property taxes. Money that should fix potholes is going for bombs.

James T. Ranney, Philadelphia, jamestranney@comcast.net

Atlantic City needs wider appeal

Why not make Atlantic City the new Broadway? Each casino would build a free-standing theater and sponsor recent Broadway shows and new productions. Theater patrons could stay at a casino and be comped, or purchase theater tickets at discount. This would bring a new clientele to the city. Sounds like a good bet to me.

Joseph Fisicaro, Sewell

Republicans have a Pogo problem

It's not the GOP's message or messengers. It happens to be its members. It's those prejudiced, homophobic, anti-immigrant, anti-women, gun-crazy, and just plain mean-spirited Americans who have found a home in the Republican Party. ("GOP soul searching starts in N.C.," Jan. 24) This political organization not only sanctions these sentiments, but encourages them; sets policies that further them, and delights in them. Until there's a sea change in the way we view Republicans, the party will be relegated to the angry, desperate haters they've shown themselves to be recently.

Francis Saba, Philadelphia, Francis2520@Comcast.net

Less Morsi the better

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, who seeks U.S. weapons and aid, stated in 2010 that Jews are "bloodsuckers" and urged his people to continue on the bloody path of animosity for the Jewish people.

The United States stands with Israel, the only stable democracy in the Middle East. How can we accept that the Egyptian leader, who needs us, is seen as an ally when he regards our Israeli friends as subhumans?

Oren M. Spiegler, Upper St. Clair