FACULTY HALL OF FAME
I had the good fortune to have classes from three of the new members of the LMU Faculty Hall of Fame: Jesuit Fathers Albertson, Rolfs and Wallen (“New Inductees Join the Faculty Hall of Fame,” summer 2014). As a member of Loyola High School’s class of 1958, I had a history class with Father (then Mr.) Rolfs. As a member of Loyola’s class of 1962, I was exposed to Father Albertson through the Honors program and to Father Wallen in my many classes as a math major. Father Wallen inspired me to apply to grad school, which led to my earning a master’s degree in statistics at Stanford. These Hall of Famers were an important and memorable part of my Jesuit education, and I congratulate LMU on such worthy choices.
Joe Grady ’62
Richardson, Texas
ALWAYS ON TRACK
I was delighted to read “Profile: Denis Trafecanty ’64” in the summer 2014 issue. There are thousands of us Southern Californians, parents and athletes, who owe Denis a tremendous debt of gratitude for the hours of support and encouragement he gave our children in youth track programs. From 1988 through 1995 (when we were involved), Denis was there every Saturday during long distance and track seasons, clipboard in hand, keeping records and making sure events ran smoothly. Thank you, Denis!
Margaret Yun, M.A. ’09
Cambria, Calif.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
I recently came across Aaron Smith’s 2010 article, titled “No One Left Behind” (summer 2010), that mentions my father, Oscar Cunningham. I am the second of nine children born to him and my mother, Eleanor Cunningham. I was 5 years old when Dad was the trainer of the Loyola University football team. I remember Don Klosterman and Coach Jordan Olivar very well. Don was very close to our family then and throughout the years until his death. Dad and Mom relocated our family from Marina Del Rey to Las Vegas in 1961. Sadly, in 1963, my mother passed away in childbirth. The child died as well. Never to remarry, Dad relocated the family to Columbus, Ohio, where he raised my seven younger siblings. There’s so much to say about my father not only as part of the 1950 Loyola family but, most importantly, as the great father he was to us until his passing in 1984. I believe I can comfortably speak on behalf of my sisters and brothers when I say we are thankful that Loyola University made the unbelievable decision on behalf of its African American men as well as all African American citizens of these United States. Loyola University may not have realized that its 1950 decision helped to open doors for Oscar Cunningham’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. I will forever be loyal to Loyola Marymount University.
Theresa J. Cunningham-Harvey
Las Vegas
NCAA RULES CHANGES
As a former athletics director at LMU and then at Cal State Fullerton, I applaud Dr. Bill Husak for his candor and thoughtful comments (“Changing the Rules,” magazine.lmu.edu). I will use them in my Sport Management class at Fullerton. There is no question the power conferences are going to be even more difficult to recruit against, especially with their enormous television revenue. However, the mission of LMU should not change, and the appeal needs to be for strong players, solid academics and strong citizens. We can still compete and win with really special student-athletes. Go Lions!
Brian Quinn ’63
Manhattan Beach, Calif.
CORRECTION
In “Tribute: The Maestro” (summer 2014), the name of the student who did an interview with Paul Salamunovich was incorrectly spelled. Daniel Pasini ’77 conducted the interview. We regret the error. — The Editor