Could you put in a correction to page 11 of the fall 2006 issue? The names under the Boeing Company Scholars picture should read:

Boeing Company representative Ken Smith (third from left) not Tim LaMunyon. The second from the left is Valerie Ann Bastein not Elizabeth Diaz. The third from the right is Elizabeth Ann Diaz not Valerie Bastien.

Thank you,
Stephanie T. Hopper,
Director of Laboratories,
College of Engineering
Ed: Florida Tech TODAY regrets the error.

For the first time ever, we are embarrassed to have our names associated with Florida Tech. The article in your fall 2006 issue “debating” climate change gives the impression that Florida Tech—an institution we previously respected for its scientific rigor—thinks there is something to debate about. While detailed analysis of existing data and creative experiments to bring in more data are both ongoing processes, enough data exist now and have been assessed to make a conclusion.

There is no debate, except in nonscientific, partisan media. Our climate is changing and human activity is responsible for at least part of that change. To imply that there is any wiggle room on this topic makes Florida Tech look like the ignorant monkeys who preach Creationism to the Kansas school board (and speaking of Kansas and monkeys, are we next to see a “debate” on evolution?). Further, it devalues the marketability of the degrees you award. Do you really want to be known to employers as the institution that embraces such Neanderthal views on climate change?

Get a grip, get with the program and accept the reality of human-influenced climate change.

Your disappointed graduates,
Jennifer D. Kalmanson ’98 M.S. and Phillip C. Kalmanson ’98 B.S.

Editor’s Response: As I read the article, it seems to me that both George Maul and Mark Bush would agree with your belief that “Our climate is changing and human activity is responsible for at least part of that change.” Their debate, as I read it, is much more about how humans are causing this change and how much of the change is attributable to human activity.

As you know, debates do happen with any number of topics at any strong university. Excellent universities must, by their very nature, be a marketplace of ideas. And, only the best ideas survive the rigors of debate. Universities that don’t promote debate are far more worthy of scorn. The idea behind the Point-Counterpoint feature is to provide our alumni a window into this culture.

Jay Wilson, APR

A Look Back In History

Missilemen and BEC faculty member Sebastian D’Alli teaches a class in rocket propulsion in the Quad. D’Alli is using the first stage of a Vanguard rocket engine fueled by liquid oxygen and kerosene to illustrate his remarks.