May 2008

I think that the 2 softball players who carried the opposing team member around the bases so she could score should be given VERY SPECIAL recognition of some sort. Not just a nod or a mention, but truly something special. What they did was a monumental act of sportsmanship and goodwill and should be focused to the highest extent possible. It has touched the country, because I know no one at your school, and no one in your state! I live in Jacksonville, FL and saw the article and was so moved that I felt compelled to write and tell you how inspired I was. I will be printing off the article and showing it to my daughters whom I can only hope will grow up to be as kind, compassionate and caring as those two girls. Another recognition should go to the coaches and teammates for making that type of environment - to do the right thing, whether we win or lose, possible.

Thank you for making my day!

Mallory, Liz, coaches, and team, I have participated in and watched sports for 50 years. Next to any game I've ever watched our kids, nieces and nephew, and grandkids play, watching you carry Sarah, an opponent, around the bases is the single most powerful moment in sports I have ever experienced. That act of selflessness in the name of competition and the game defines why it is any of us takes the field--to challenge ourselves while participating in something that's bigger than us as individual people. You met a challenge few ever encounter and yet without hesitation acted not only for Sarah but also for all of us on behalf of the game as a whole. For that I am grateful and forever hold you in the highest respect. Thank you.

Gary Downey
Blacksburg, Virginia

I am one of the many people that is incredibly impressed by the story of how your women's softball team conducted itself in the game against Western Oregon University. We are in the process of looking at colleges for my 16 year old son. Being from Florida, quite frankly, your school has never been "on our radar". Now it is. Well done, Women's Softball team of CWU. Well done!

Sandy Silverstein
Jacksonville, FL

After reading the story of two of your members of the women's softball team carrying an injured opponent around the bases which allowed for a three-run homer to count, was one of the best sports story of all time. It's nice to see that on an occasion, this "win at all cost" attitude isn't always the case. This University and community should be proud of this team. Way to go Liz Wallace and Mallory Holtman!!!!!!

Terry Trimble
Bakersfield, CA

I'd like to suggest that a monument be erected in honor of the young women who helped their helpless opponent around the bases in their playoff game last weekend. They are to be commended for the unselfishness they exhibited! They have renewed my faith in human kind!

Steve in Michigan

I wanted to write to you and let you know how proud I am of your university. After reading the story of your softball team I was extremely moved. It is nice to read about a university that teaches the values that are so missing in today’s world. Whatever happens to your team, they should be proud that they upheld the true meaning of athletics and sportsmanship. I made my children read the article so they could see what is really important in life. Good luck to all your students!

Mark Mazza
Huntingdon Valley, PA

I just read about Mallory Holtman and your Central Washington team. Not much to say except inspirational and pure class by this group of girls. I'm 51 years of age and have never seen a demonstration of sportsmanship of this magnitude. We could all learn something from this event. An overwhelming act of kindness and caring. Way to go girls!

Ron Peek
Cabot, AR

The story of the act of selflessness on the part of your university women's softball team was phenomenal. I was so glad to see the national wires and TV media latch on to the story. I will use this real life lesson with my family members and at my job when speaking to teens and young adults. Please congratulate those two young women, their coaches and teammates for doing the right thing and making it sound and look as simple as it should be.

Sgt Deb Chrobak
Buffalo Grove (IL) PD

This is not an idea for improvements. It is a congratulations to your team for the integrity and sportsmanship they showed by helping the injured player make her home run trip around the bases. I was involved in sports for years in grade and high school, and I know that showing respect for a deserving opponent is one of the best methods to earn respect for yourself.

Again, congratulations, and let the team know that with all the negative news today, it is very good to read about their honor and selflessness.

Thank You,
Don Trotter

You all should be very proud of the softball team that represented your university so well. True sportsmanship is very hard to find these days. I am grateful that their acts have been made so widely known, as it is a fantastic example to the young people of our country. Well done Central Washington, Well Done!

Nothing serves a University, or any organization, like positive publicity to attract attention. Tonight I watched the NBC Nightly News to see one of the most admirable forms of human kindness and sportsmanship I've seen in a long time. Your women's softball team should be commended for their respect in honoring an injured opponent to cross the plate after an "out of the park" home run. It gave me chills...the good kind!

I have friends who have attended, as well as taught at your institution, and I would consider them to be "quality people". This latest show of character speaks highly of your school. Make a big fuss over these gals. They are role models for girls, athletes, and human beings in general. Kudos to all!

Gale Bauder
Apache Junction, AZ

President Jerilyn McIntyre, Faculty, Staff and Students of Central Washington University,

A pebble in a pond. I shared the written story about the women's softball team's sportsmanship with my wife who is a secondary Spanish teacher in Virginia. The first thing she said after reading the article was "I have to share this with my students tomorrow”.

Ms. Holtman and Ms. Wallace were singled out and they undoubtedly deserve praise but I also want to commend the teammates, coaches and all of you who make up the University community for contributing to an environment where sportsmanship takes precedence over winning a game. Although individually we do not know you, your actions have ignited pride throughout the nation. I am proud of you and proud for you.

Thank you and all my best,
Tim McCarthy
Fairfax Station, Virginia

I read the amazing story of the softball players. I've been around 58 years and haven't seen any sportsmanship at this level. WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please give my compliments to the coach, team, university etc. This should be the sports story of the year!

Doug Johnson
Edina (suburb of Minneapolis), Minnesota

I'm a "seasoned citizen" who has lived in the Evergreen State for nearly 30 years, but I've never even visited Ellensburg, much less Central Washington University. However, I'm inclined to think that should change, after reading an inspiring item in the newspaper the other day (and I'm sure you know what that item was!). It seems to me I ought to have a look at CWU one of these days, to see where students like Mallory Holtman and Sara Tucholsky are receiving their education. Please convey my heartfelt congratulations to both of them, for showing the world what the ultimate in good sportsmanship is. Tell them I say, "Thank you!", too, for making me smile - it makes me feel good to know that the world is going to be inherited by such fine young people, and that perhaps the shining example of how they conduct themselves may lead others to realize that we ought to be good to each other and help each other, instead of trying to win at all costs, or even to kill each other, as people are doing in.

John N. Connell
Bellingham, WA

My name is Michael Quijas and I have a child who is battling cancer, leukemia, since June 21, 2007. I read the story about your girls softball team just now and it made my eyes fill with tears. So many times we get caught up in winning and playing and forget about the real important issues in life. Those issues or important things are how or what you did during your day to make a difference. I am so proud of the players, the organization, and your school for producing such great individuals. So many times we say that there is no "I" in team and I agree, but certain times there are moments when that one "I" can fuel an entire team to greatness. That person may have been the coach, it might have been the first baseman, or may have been the team in general but someone in your organization became that "I" I hope my daughter gets the opportunity to be.

Please let your girls know that there is 15 yr-old cheerleader, Kaylee Quijas, in Lee's Summit, MO (Kansas City) who is cheering for your team/school. Although Kaylee hasn't had the chance to attend a day of school this year, due to major sickness, we are glad to say that you and your students gave us something to cheer about here at home! This may seem goofy that I'm writing, but sometimes in life you get thrown a curve ball and it's what you do with it that makes a difference. I was mad for a moment when my child got sick but it opened my eyes, and it has made me appreciate life. This particular story compelled me to write and tell you how great it was for me to read about something so special and inspiring.

Michael Quijas
Lees Summit, MO

The girls softball team should receive a great award for allowing the two girls to carry the girl around the bases for her home run!!! Unbelievable!! I have played sports for over 55 years and this is the best sportsmanship act I have ever heard, bar none!!! Congratulations to them all!!!!

John R. Dean
London, Ontario
Canada

Dear CWU Administration, Staff, Faculty, and Students,

I recently had the opportunity to visit your campus for the Washington State Solo/Ensemble Competition and was very impressed with your campus and students (except for the shirtless, less than fit guy swinging in a hammock and drinking a beer on the dorm balcony - not an attractive site at all). Thank you for sponsoring that event.

I just read the story about your softball team at foxsports.com and I felt compelled to write and thank you and those young women for that wonderful act of decency and sportsmanship. It is a treat to see the act, and more importantly the understanding that it was not a revolutionary moment on the part of the women that helped - it was just what you do. Please thank them for me and for many others, and hopefully it will help others do more simple, yet profound, acts of quiet service.

Thank you!
Ralph Hall
Vancouver, WA

I'm not sure where to post this, but I wanted to look up your website to say a resounding "THANK YOU" and "WOW!" to your women's softball team for their wonderful display of selflessness and good sportsmanship.

As a mother of 2 young kids I can't wait to tell them this story. With all the bad news that's all around us in this world, this was SUCH a wonderful story. These women should be proud of themselves and what they did. I'm in awe and wish I could shake all their hands!! Way to go, ladies - you're winners in my book!

Sarah R. (Louisiana)

Forwarded to - Becky Watson, Director, Public Relations and Marketing

Response - Thank you for your kind words. The University is proud of the sportsmanship our two softball players exhibited last weekend. We are additionally proud of the entire Women's Softball team as they have exhibited the spirit that resonates throughout our athletics program. In the words of the players, they did what anyone else would have done.

We are touched by the responses of so many people from across the country. Your messages are being forwarded on to the coach and athletic director to be shared with the players.

Best regards,
Becky Watson
Director, Public Relations and Marketing
509-963-1117
bwatson@cwu.edu

05.08.10
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

The education department should be required to have ONE specific WELL KNOWN and ADVERTISED place on the website or in an office where deadlines and application specifications are stated for all education students meeting specific landmarks of the program.

Forwarded to - Connie Lambert, Associate Dean, College of Education

Response - This suggestion has been discussed and will happen in the near future. Thanks for passing it along.

Connie Lambert

05.08.09
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

You should put a picture of this years girls softball team in the trophy case and put a label of true winners under it. They are! Bravo!!!!!

Forwarded to - Jack Bishop, Director of Athletics

Response - Thank you for your suggestion, and we will be doing that! Also we are having a Hall of Fame banquet at the SURC on Saturday, May 10 and we will be honoring these two student Athletes that night. It is open to the public and tickets can be purchased through the development office. We would love for you and the campus community to join us that night in celebrating this outstanding accomplishment. Thank you so much for writing,

Jack Bishop

05.08.08
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

I received some information on the Family weekend for May 10th. However, I cannot find anything about it on the web site or where to find more information. Would you send this information to me? Also, it would be good to have a "contact us" on the front of the web site.

Forwarded to - Jesse Days, Web Developer, ITS

Response - Hello, the information you are seeking is at http://www.cwu.edu/~camplife/familyweek.html. Recently we added our general information number to the CWU home page. It is 509-963-1111.

05.08.07
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

When the flag is lowered to half-mast, I am always wondering why (who died) and I hear a lot of discussion about it from others who are trying to guess the reason. It would be helpful if you would post an explanation on the Intranet under "Campus Announcements". Thank you, and thanks for creating such an easy method of forwarding our thoughts and suggestions.

Forwarded to - Judy Miller, Executive Secretary to the President

Response - Requests to lower the American flag come to the President's Office from the governor's staff. Once a year, Dr. McIntyre authorizes lowering of the flag for the university's memorial ceremony held the day after Memorial Day. In the future, the President's Office will notify Public Relations and Marketing when the flag is lowered so they can post a reference on the Intranet.

05.08.06
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

Why isn't there a way for students who live off campus to purchase meal plans that offer discounted rates similar to those that on campus residents receive?

Forwarded to - Dan Layman, Director of Dining Services

Response - Thank you for the inquiry regarding the meal plans. While at first glance, the residential meal plans appear to give students with a meal plan a large discount, but that’s not actually the case. The meal plan holder has to select one of four plans. When they select a plan, Dining Services collects 65% for overhead costs up front, so when the meal plan holder is purchasing food, it is at 35% of the cost, but they have still paid 100% for the items. Example: The meal plan holder puts 1000.00 on a meal plan. Dining takes 650.00 up front and the student may spend the $350 on food. So when they purchase a $1.00 hamburger, they only pay .35 cents because Dining has already collected .65 cents up front. The cash customer purchases the $1.00 hamburger for $1.00 plus tax, so it’s $1.08. There is a Wildcat plan where students, faculty and staff can put money on the campus debit card and they will receive a 5% discount and not have to pay sales tax, so they would get the same burger for .95 cents. There are also special times each quarter where individuals who put money into their Wildcat plan will get a bonus incentive. For example, if $100 is deposited into the plan, they will get $110 in credit on their account. Also, money put on the Wildcat plan does carry over from quarter to quarter and year to year, whereas any meal plan dollars have to be spent by the end of the academic year in June.

05.08.05
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

Where can students become informed of the actions professors are taking to ensure their students are passing Praxis exams required for all education majors?

Forwarded to - Tom Henderson, Ph.D. - Director of Testing and Assessment

Response - Central Washington University does not "teach to" a specific PRAXIS II subject test, nor does CWU offer "crash courses" on specific test subjects. Some CWU faculty members meet and have general seminars on test subjects. Please talk to your advisor and inquire about the subject material you are interested in. Currently there are over 120 subject areas in the PRAXIS II exam. The ETS (Educational Testing Service) web site has information for each subject test including: > Test at a Glance (PDF) > Reducing Test Anxiety (PDF) > General Information and Study Tips (PDF) To gain access to the ETS material: (1) Go to http://www.ets.org (2) Select "PRAXIS" from the lists of tests (3) Click on the "prepare for a test" link (4) Select the exam you are interested in ETS also has study materials for specific exams on sale. One note: during the Fall of 2008 the PRAXIS II exams will be replaced by exams from a different test company, NES or National Evaluation Systems. If you plan to take the exams this fall the best study material at the current time is probably the ETS study guides.

05.08.04
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

If there is such a large push for prospective educators to prepare their students to pass the WASSLE where is the push toward CWU professors preparing their students to pass the praxis exams?

Response - Please see Tom Henderson’s response above.

05.08.03
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

Barge Hall is one of the most historic and beautiful buildings on our campus. Unfortunately, the Career Services sign stuck on the north side windows of the building detracts from the overall aesthetics of the building. Case in point: Today I walked past a student and her mom who were standing in the Barge courtyard (where the fountains are normally operating in the summer). The mom was taking a picture of her daughter with Barge Hall in the background and she told her daughter, "Move to the left a little so your head blocks out all those white letters in the windows." I guess I do not understand why it is important for Career Services to hang up a fragmented "sign" of broken-up letters in six different windows. Most other departments on campus do not do this. Why does Career Services need to? Not only is it a poor sign, it does not look professional. Thanks for having a suggestion box.

Forwarded to - Jaqualyn Johnson, MS, LMHC Director, Career Services

Response - Career Services has traditionally used the Barge windows for advertising our many events since our location is away from the bulk of student traffic. In our student surveys, students have indicated the window advertising is the way they learned of these events and more importantly, where our office is located since we are divided into two separate areas within Barge Hall. In order to serve our students and alumni, they need to be able to find us. We recall one similar complaint with our 202 windows that are located inside the building, facing the hallway. They were decorated to attract students and we were told this was not conducive to the look of Barge. We are scheduled to move from this building in the distant future when Barge becomes an administration center. In the meantime, our department will discuss what adjustments we can make to the window lettering for a more professional look. Thanks for sharing your view. Jackie Johnson

05.08.02
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

Now that lawn mowing has begun in earnest on campus, I notice that mowing seems to occur on a set schedule. How else can one explain why some areas are being mowed when they don’t appear to need it? I've seen the riding mowers sweep across a section of lawn and you can't even tell what has been cut and what has not. I'm sure there are complexities in scheduling that I am not aware of, but I'm just sending this out as something to think about. Perhaps there is a way to save resources and lessen our carbon footprint.

Forwarded to - Calvin Lang, Grounds Supervisor, Facilities Management

Response - Thank you for your concern over the seemingly unnecessary waste of natural resources, as well as time, money and the pollution of our air. We are also greatly concerned about these items, which is why we are not mowing with a full force yet. We are currently at 40% of our mow crew and have not yet started a regular schedule. We should be at full force and a regular schedule by mid-May. Often times as we spot mow there are areas in a section of lawn that does not need to be cut, but in order to maintain some type of pattern so as not to waste and /or miss areas, we mow small areas that may not need it. I will speak with our crews to ensure that we are not wasting time and energy and continue with our philosophy of environmental concern. Thanks again for your concern.

05.08.01
Subject - CWU Suggestion Box

I have two questions regarding the pool and am not sure where I should direct them so I thought the suggestion box would be a good start. Is there any way we could get lap swim during the evenings rather than just in the mornings? Secondly, is it possible for Central to invest in the swimwear dryers that are available?

Forwarded to - Debbie Nethery, Pool Manager

Response - Thank you for your interest and input for the swimming pool. Currently, there are lap/recreational swim times in the evenings. Those hours can be found at http://www.cwu.edu/~rec/recCenter/index.html. They are Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm and Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 pm - 8:45 pm. The pool is divided for recreation and lap swimming. We are currently looking at a number of alternatives at the Swimming Pool and will include your suggestion regarding suit dryers in our review.