Stem cells

I read with great interest Carl Franzén’s article “The Cure Within: Unlocking the Secrets of our Stem Cells” and the research of Dr. Verfaillie. I am a patient of Dr. Verfaillie’s and know first-hand the value of this research. One thing that should have been mentioned in the article is not only how dedicated and concerned Dr. Verfaillie is with her research but also how concerned she is with the well-being of her patients. Without her dedication and that of the entire bone marrow transplant team, I might not be here today!

Sincerely,
Susan Wedin
Glencoe, Minnesota


Carl Franzén’s “The Cure Within” (spring 2001) is most informative about the U of M’s leadership worldwide in stem cell research, a work which he states focuses on adult stem cells—not on the use of embryos as a source of those unspecialized cells…

I hope that by the reading of this letter, President Bush will have made the decision to declare stem cell research with human embryos off limits.

Do readers of this publication know that God assigns an angel even to a fertilized egg outside the womb? He is so concerned about His handiwork as creator!

Again, the writer of the article makes an outstanding presentation of the topic of stem cell research. It’s nice to know that the U of M is on the cutting edge.

Sincerely yours,
Robert L. Marrs
St. Cloud, MN


Northrop memories

Your article on Northrop Memorial Auditorium (spring 2001) evoked numerous memories, including the lavish inauguration of President James L. Morrill in 1946 on the Northrop steps with Admiral Chester Nimitz being driven in a big open car from Washington Avenue across the long quad (after the cutting down of numerous bushes) to the podium.

But the fondest memory took place in 1946 or 1947 when I came through Northrop, probably to warm my hands, and heard Maestro Dimitri Mitropoulos rehearsing violinist Louis Krasner and the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra in their premier of the terribly difficult Schoenberg Violin Concerto. Nothing seemed to work, and the maestro was getting louder and louder. I realized I was going to be late for class and quietly ducked out, but the memory lingers on.

Julius Paul
Fredonia, NY


J-school

In the winter edition of M I was pleased to note that the school of journalism is not dead but adjusting to media changes.

I hope the values I found there in my 1936 to 1941 classes have survived. One class in particular—Literary Aspects of Journalism—included classmates Max Shulman, Tom Heggen, and Bud Nye.

Now I have reached the age of 83, I am still writing on my computer and have produced and directed a play and write a book of essays or poems each year.

Murphy Hall was a vibrant place in 1941 and instilled in those of us with majors or minors in journalism a love of communication that has served us well. I hope the revival will do as well.

Yours very truly,
Jeanne Lodge Bergstrom
San Diego, CA


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