I received the following email from Clyde Richards ('60) on 9-12-'07.

Don,
Good to hear from you and thanks for the blog.

Your bit about Howard Sylvester reminded me of several other experiences which demonstrate his depth, understanding and genuine concern for his students:

I remember him suspending a literature class to give us a very basic lesson on "How to Study". It was simple, but it still sticks in my mind: Study the easy subjects first and get them out of the way, save the ones which are likely to stump you for the last of the session; that way at least you've accomplished something if you do get stumped.

On another occasion, in a German class, he happened to digress into Old English literature. When he found that we young, green freshman had not heard of Beowulf, he, with the permission of Joann Kellogg (our only female classmate), read us several of the bawdy tales.

However, Howard Sylvester's real cause in life, I believe, was to convince all students (and the world) that rum should be the national drink, not bourbon.

Clyde also writes that he has a home in Los Lunas, NM but that he and his wife, Ruth, spend most of their time in San Diego. Clyde plans to attend 49er's for at least one day this year. Clyde concluded his email with this post script:

p.s. Where is Walt Kelly when we really need him? Have we seen the enemy and is it us?