Here we are again. Fall 1997 is here; classes at the U of I have been in session for several weeks, and our workaday world is in full swing. So far, we haven't hit any snags: the house is full; we've already had three delightful Sunday dinners--Nambe Pueblo, Turkish, and French--all especially fine; and the first Thursday evening coffee hour was phenomenally well attended, making it a real get-acquainted party. Not to lag behind the prevailing spirit of enthusiasm in the Cosmo home, the flowers in the front yard, planted by the residents, are flourishing, invitingly colorful or colorfully inviting and arranged in a neat and attractive pattern.
As to physical plant improvements, the front steps and the area from the edge of the porch to the entrance (door) have been "paved" with strips of indoor-outdoor carpeting, a welcome addition by any standard but surely a Godsend in icy weather. Another useful touch is the railing at the back steps, now seemingly indispensable! And progress is being made in the development and equipping of the computer room in the basement. This room, formerly an odds-and-ends spare room, became a computer room when I donated my computer to the Club. Subsequently, the room has been painted and adorned with a floor rug.
As usual, we have had several letters, renewals, and contributions from alumni, among these being especially gratifying some responses to the article on the Cosmo Club that appeared in the July/August issue of Illinois Alumni. We have received not only letters but also phone calls, some long distance. An interesting observation about our alumni correspondence is that some of it comes not only from alums far afield but also from some relatively nearby. The scope of "alumni(ae)" is far and near in its reach.
Along this line, I would like to call your attention to the letter from John Cervantes, '38, which appears on page 6 of the September/October issue of Illinois Alumni. As he points out, he and I had some correspondence several years ago. He very kindly states that I brought him up to date on the U of I Cosmo Club but adds that he has never understood the "Right of Eminent Domain," which compelled the Cosmo Club to sell its property to the University in order that the Psychology Building be placed on that site. Who does understand Eminent Domain?
At this point, I would like to bring up the subject of reunions. We had one in 1980 (Class of '38, plus a few other alumni). We do not know what your thoughts and feelings are on the subject, but surely it would be most enjoyable if you could see fit to organize a reunion; perhaps more than one class could, or would, choose to go together, thereby encouraging more participation and resulting in a less costly party. These are only random thoughts, and we hope that some of you will seriously consider a reunion party at 307 East John in the near future. Let us know your plans or suggestions: time; exact place; type of party; scope; etc.
We hope that you will enjoy reading the cameo sketch about Christian Sanelli, who, although not a Cosmo house resident, attends our dinners and coffee hours quite faithfully. He first came to a Cosmo Sunday evening dinner about six years ago, liked what he saw--and ate--and has been an interested member ever since. He is from Rochester, New York, has a job in Champaign involving computers, and prefers to live in an apartment to living with a group in an organized house.
Happy and successful fall semester, or if you're not in the field of education, Happy Fall!
Mary Hussey '28
Chair, Alumni Committee
University of Illinois