There's Something About Ann Arbor

Three Wolverines - One Happy Family

     There is something about Ann Arbor that seeps into the soul almost unnoticed shortly after one arrives on campus.  For each of us it is something different.  For me it was football and getting my act together after two years of combat in WW II. (It wasn't easy, but it was memorable)  For my daughter it seemed to be the opportunity to stretch. To become herself, to explore graphic design, and enjoy the company of a talented group of young people who have become lifelong friends. And my granddaughter, well, she just seemed to fit in. That's her style and she has become an integral part of AEPhi and of the Department of Communications, as a Social Media expert.  I am so proud of her. For me it is kind of a summation of the thing called family.  The picture was taken in front of the Union last Fall when my granddaughter returned for her Senior year.  We will be back in April for her graduation.  Can you believe that?

What Happened to the "New America"

   I have given some thought recently to the gloomy mood of our nation as we enter the election season. It was but a few years ago that we that we looked in awe and anticipation to the election of Barack Obama, as the beginning of "a new America". We heard talk of a "post-racial" America.  It was a period of enthusiastic  young people once again becoming involved in politics.  And although we knew the nation was facing a serious economic bump in the road, we had confidence in this young man and his ability to lead. I am not sure what has traspired since then, but I thought it would be interesting to look back to an article I wrote in November of 2008 to my granddaughter Stephanie... How times change...

Seeing Black in the Red, White and Blue

It was Stephanie, my 18-year-old granddaughter, on the phone calling me from Northwestern. It was the day before the 2008 presidential election.

”I’m going to Grant park tomorrow night,” she declared. You could sense the excitement in her voice.

I paused a moment and in a grandfatherly manner cautioned “There will be a huge crowd, hundreds of thousands. It might be a little risky.” (remembering the riots in that same park in '68)

"Papa!", she exclaimed.  "This is a great moment in history!  We will be there when Obama accepts the victory. I wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Photo ©2007 Susan W. Saltzman