Quoted

“Adequate resources in childhood matter a lot for self-sufficiency and well-being later in life. If we restrict benefits available to children who will grow up to be adults, in the long run we may be doing more harm than good.” —Tara Watson,
professor of economics, in a Jan. 29 PBS NewsHour digital story about a new Trump administration rule that creates a “wealth test” for immigrants trying to enter the U.S.

“This should be a major convenience for the community, including Williams’ students, faculty and staff. It also will complement nicely the goods and services available in the middle of town.” —Matthew Sheehy, associate vice president for finance,
quoted in a Jan. 16 iBerkshires story on the partnership between Williams and Berkshire Health Systems that is bringing a pharmacy to Spring Street in Williamstown

“Being a mathematician and professor has made me a better mother, and vice versa. There’s no separation between my personal life and my professional life. That line is extremely blurry.” —Pamela E. Harris, assistant professor of mathematics,
quoted in a Massive Science profile published on Jan. 16

“Not only did Ashoka instruct his administrators to respect and protect members of all persuasions, but he also encouraged
his people to mutually respect one another’s sects: Concord, as he notes in one of his edits, is commendable.” —Aparna Kapadia,
associate professor of history, in a Jan. 26 Scroll.in essay: “Why Ashoka, the emperor of India who inspired the symbols of new republic, is still worth reading


Letters

Pride
I just finished reading the current issue of Williams Magazine (fall 2019). Congratulations to one and all—the most attractive and fascinating issue I can remember. Williams has certainly come a long way since I was there. I was especially proud to see the picture and description of my classmate and freshman entrymate Mike Dively ’61 (“Pride in Progress”). I knew he had lived an amazing life as a legislator and swimmer, but I didn’t know about his endowments to support LGBTQIA life at Williams. What a great way to make a contribution to one’s alma mater! And how wonderful to get a look into President Mandel’s pedagogy (“Profound Questions”)—bringing Mark Hopkins and his log into the 21st century—although I expect no one would be more surprised than Hopkins to read this issue and see the changes in the student body and the presidency! Keep up the great work.
—John S. Mayher ’61, Mountainhome, Pa

Called to the Mountains
Warm memories popped up when I saw the picture of smiling Williams people climbing Stone Hill on Mountain Day (“Called to the Mountain,” fall 2019). I was an elementary pupil at the Walter G. Mitchell School in the 1940s. It seems Mountain Day on Stone Hill happened for us every week. There was no Clark museum or organized Williams expedition. We scooted up to the top, climbed trees and parachuted down (breaking a bone or two), picked blueberries and nibbled on lunches in the grass. The town was below and Pine Cobble above. Lo and behold, suddenly, one day, Pine Cobble, The Dome, Mount Williams, Berlin Mountain and Mount Greylock appeared to us as large as a necklace around Williamstown. We were older and bigger and couldn’t resist. We climbed them all. Mountains do that to people.
—Ernest “Ernie” Imhoff ’59, Baltimore, Md


Honored

A photo of athletes along with President Mandel and Athletic Director Melendy receiving the Directors' Cup
“ It’s an honor for me to celebrate all the work that our coaches do—our athletes do—every day. … This, combined with our academic excellence, makes me really proud to be the athletic director at Williams College.”

—Athletic Director Lisa Melendy (seated, to the right of the cup), speaking during the presentation of Williams’ 22nd Directors’ Cup on Jan. 18, 2020, held in the newly refurbished Towne Field House in honor of the women’s track team, which won the NCAA indoor title in March 2019.