Letters

Stranded Americans

Dear Mr Anderson,
Every day for the past two weeks we have thought of the empathy and many kindnesses of your staff at the University of Dundee during those first few terrible days after the terrorist attacks of September 11. All of you embraced us with a love and warmth which we needed probably more than at any other time in our lives. We also stand in awe of your ability to respond to the needs of so many stranded travellers with only a few hours advance notice. Words cannot express our gratitude to every one of you who came to our rescue.

On our way home I felt moved to try to put into words, however inadequate, our memory of the Scottish folks who supported us at this time of shared tragedy. At first I simply wrote a letter to our children who had been concerned about our wellbeing to reassure them that we had been in good hands. Soon after I felt an impulse to honour you in a more public forum - our local newspaper - which welcomes accounts of meaningful personal experiences.

My husband and I were in villa one, room fourteen for three nights. We tried to thank as many of your staff as possible before we left but of course could not find everyone.

We will always remember your kindness and open hearts. God bless you all and care for you in the uncertain days ahead.

With gratitude and very best wishes,
Margo and George Earley

A copy of the newspaper article published in Oregon is available from the Press Office or from Graham Anderson, Bursar of Residences.

Dundee Book Prize
I am following the second Dundee Book Prize with much interest as my novel Centrepiece, entered in the first competition, has just been published by Bastard Books, a web-based publisher who have just launched twenty new authors on their excellent website.

Bastard Books are available in conventional paperback or as a digital download direct from the web. The address is simply bastardbooks.com and well worth a visit.

So now you can add my name to the list of success stories arising from the very marvellous Dundee Book Prize!

All the best with this year's prize,
Lorraine McCann
Grad with1st class hons in English early 1990s.

The freshers' website was launched before the new term started to ease the new students' transition to University life and to bring together information for new students published elsewhere. It has clocked up over 18,000 hits so far. With the chance to win a £25 voucher for the University bookshop, over 100 students completed the feedback form. To view the site click on http://www.dundee.ac.uk/freshers/ These are some of the comments:

"I first matriculated in 1973 so I remember Pete of Pete's bar and when the Tav bar stood in Hawkhill. Freshers' week was pretty good then, but nothing like now, and the range of entertainment and support is much better though still with that air of friendliness and welcome. In the 70s something like this site would have been really great, but the computer centre could only go up to 64K! You're doing a great job guys!"

"Excellent. Very impressed with the University keeping in touch with the students and really making them feel part of the whole University!"

"Before I had looked at the website I was still feeling quite apprehensive about going to Uni. I am glad to say that most of the questions that could be answered have been and I feel a lot more comfortable about making my big move."

"Excellent assistance. I attended another Uni but my sister is in Dundee. This website is fantastic - something our Uni NEVER had and really needed!! Fantastic work. Wish I was back at Uni!"

Unauthorised parking
Recently, at a defended hearing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court the University successfully pursued a civil claim against a persistent offender who over a period of 9 months had accrued a total of 45 civil penalty charges for parking without a permit on campus. The individual concerned was a member of the public with no connection to the University. Finding in our favour, the Sheriff ordered that the outstanding charges of £450.00 be paid and awarded expenses to the University.

This is the first such case we have taken to the full extent of a court hearing and we will continue to take all necessary action to prevent unauthorised parking on campus.
Stewart Davidson, Security Manager

Next Page
Return to December 2001 Contact