From our readers

An unforgettable professor 

Re: Issue 2, “Rock of ages.” Thank you for the continued excellent magazine; I especially enjoyed the most recent edition. The article about the museum in Miller Hall was great. I was taught geology by Professor Al Gorman, and it was the most interesting, fun, and useful elective of my education at Queen’s. “Uncle Al’s” enthusiasm for teaching and, in particular, volcanism, ensured that to this day, I remember the difference between pahoehoe and a lava rock. Professor Gorman won the teaching award several times, and he certainly deserved it. I was in Arts and it was with some trepidation that I approached a geology course. Before registering, I went to see him in Miller Hall. There he was with his hockey stick propped up in the corner, and a bumper sticker on his battered desk that read “Have a Gneiss Day” (geology humour). He was only too happy to talk to me about the course and his passion for geology, and on the spot, I knew I wanted to sign up. Al Gorman was the kind of professor whose enthusiasm for his discipline and gift for making it appealing to all students made him an unforgettable part of my Queen’s years.
Thomas Flavin, Artsci’88 

Queen’s museum a catalyst for dreams 

Re: Issue 2, “Rock of ages.” I was pleased to see the profile on the Miller Museum of Geology as the museum was an influence on my daughter Sarah to switch full major to Geology (Artsci’19), and was involved with visiting school groups and museum displays under the recently retired curator Mark Badham. She went on to a MSc. Geo (Simon Fraser’22) and recently graduated with a PhD Geo (Portsmouth’26). While many younger children love rocks and fossils, it’s places like the Miller Museum that catalyze both young and those older to discover their life-long interest in Earth Sciences and a path to their dreams. 
Steven Bowie, Artsci’83 

A portrait worthy of reflection

Re: Issue 1. Thanks for making me aware of the Kent Monkman portrait of Chancellor Emeritus Sinclair. The portrait is as wonderful as he was and serves him well. I will make a point to see it and pause for a moment when I next visit Queen’s, for all that he accomplished. And thanks, too, for the remembrance of him by Chancellor Shelagh Rogers. Who knew where a stint at CFRA back in the day would lead her! I still miss her on CBC. 
Bill Barclay, Artsci’85 

Prof’s sage advice 

Re: Issue 2, “Finding her bliss.” Professor Frank Collom gave me excellent advice and he approved my transfer request from economics to commerce at the end of my first year at Queen’s. His counsel and allowing me to be a part the commerce program at Queen’s gave me the opportunity to start a new career. This changed the next 40 years of my life in a very positive way. BCOM, be cool! 
Patrick Baldwin, Com’89