Good news abounds

It’s always a good time to hear good news. Especially this time of year when, here in New Hampshire at least, we’re either ready for winter to hurry up and turn to spring (for non-skiers, like me) or we’re disappointed that we didn’t get more snow (that would be skiers and snowboarders, I imagine). We’re through with Auld-Lange-Synes and be-my-valentines, and a green beer for St. Paddy’s provides only temporary relief. We need a boost — happily, UNH Magazine is here to provide that infusion of joy. Read on:

A warm show of support

More than 500 coats, hats, sweaters, gloves, scarves and boots were donated during the Basic Needs Program’s Winter Coat Drive — all of them distributed to students in need just before winter weather arrived in mid-November. Fans at hockey, basketball and football games were invited to drop off coats as they cheered on the Wildcats. There was help from beyond the university — from RiverWoods Durham retirement community and St. George’s Episcopal Church — and individual campus departments pitched in with their own contributing drives. What’s that thing we always say? “Wildcats look out for each other.” The coat drive proved just that.

Wildcats out of the woodwork

Amid the devastation of hurricanes in the Southeast last fall, Wildcats were, in fact, looking out for each other (see story). Thank you to the alumni who spoke with me about their experiences, many of them with bigger things to worry about than my questions, like figuring out how to get fallen trees off their cars and houses. A common theme among our conversations: the spirit of “we’re all in this together” that led to that support — either from their local neighbors or from fellow Wildcats near and far. Be sure to check out the Class Notes, where many of your class correspondents noted that they checked on classmates — or heard from classmates checking on them! It’s a good lesson for all of us: a call or email from an old friend is always welcome in times of need. I imagine the same played out in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires in January. If you have a story to share, please be in touch.

Couldn’t be prouder

We’ve been accused of having what’s called “Yankee humility” — shying away from fanfare and boasting as a university about our accomplishments. I’m here to officially encourage you to beam after you read our features on award-winning alumni (“Class Acts,”) and UNH’s work in ocean mapping and its global consequences (“What Lies Beneath,”). Although very different topics, these stories are connected by a common theme: UNH is a place that yields amazing things and amazing people. So, brag away and feel proud that the university that’s home to such greatness is YOUR university, too.

MICHELLE MORRISSEY ’97
Editor-in-Chief, UNH Magazine
Alumni.editor@unh.edu