Game Plan
An Autumn story profiled Stanford Football general manager Andrew Luck, ’12, MA ’23, and his work to rebuild the program and its fan base.
Photo: Toni Bird
I’m a former Stanford football player and team captain. I’m currently in my sixth year in the NFL. While I found the entire piece on Andrew Luck captivating, I especially connected with this passage: “Sport is a shallow partner. It may pretend to love the athlete, engage his or her intellect, reward hard work and devotion with fame and fortune. But in the end, no matter how deep an athlete’s love for his sport, no matter the devotion to her craft, the sport throws over the athlete for someone younger.”
I’ve been at somewhat of an inflection point in my NFL career, and I found those words both profound and comforting. They capture the highs and lows of professional athletics and reflect many aspects of my own experience. Thank you for such a meaningful piece. Go Card!
Casey Toohill, ’19
Houston, Texas
Yell leader from the Class of ooooohhhhhhh6 here. Traditions get passed along easily in times of winning, but they stay constant when you have folks in charge of preserving them. Bring back the yell leaders, and they’ll make sure everyone jumps for “All Right Now” and gives ’em the Axe. I’m sure plenty of us old farts can help the program get back on its feet. Let’s do this!
Claire Milligan, ’06, MA ’06
Ventura, California
Happy Camper
A story in the Autumn issue showcased Stanford Pre-Orientation Trips (SPOT), whose leaders offer five-day, outdoor excursions for new undergrads.
This brought back memories of my early years in graduate school, when I hooked up with hiking and backpacking friends who have remained close for more than 50 years. I became enthusiastic and became a Sierra Club leader, hiking and backpacking with a wide variety of people. Simply getting away from a stressful, crowded, multitasking environment is worth it—but a positive adventure with a variety of new friends is beyond price. Please keep up (and expand) the good work.
Paul Worden, MS ’69, PhD ’76
Redwood City, California
Missing: A Moment in the Sun
I just got the Autumn issue and was looking forward to seeing an article and photos about the Class of ’25 Commencement. This was the new president’s first commencement address (which I thought was excellent!) and there was a popular alumna speaker, Katie Ledecky, ’20. But nothing. Not even one photo. Graduation marks the culmination of years of involvement and dedication to studies, not to mention the creation of a new group of Stanford readers. I believe this deserves at least a page of recognition.
Michelle Griglione, ’91
Orlando, Florida
Falling for Campus
The Autumn issue included a sweater-weather photo of The Falcon, located in the Law School’s Cooley Courtyard.
Photo: Andrew Brodhead/Stanford University
Thank you so much for the delight of the two-page spread featuring Alexander Calder’s sculpture set against trees ablaze with red foliage. Holding that beautiful image in print took me back to the many treasures of our campus more generally, where one could so easily take a break from studies and immerse oneself in outdoor artwork or natural beauty, or often both at the same time.
Victor Seidel, PhD ’06
Needham, Massachusetts
Words of Wisdom
The Autumn issue included a story on two books written for incoming frosh. We asked what advice you would give to a new student.
From someone who was a professor for 43 years: First, you’ve come to Stanford for an education, not for job training. Second, get to know your professors. Go to their office hours to chat. If they’re good, they’ll enjoy it, and they’ll remember you.
Anthony Chambers, MA ’68
San Diego, California
I suggest four-person study groups in brightly lit breakfast restaurants—preferably with a buffet. People don’t notice the chaos, the coffee keeps coming, and snacking improves memorization and prevents fatigue. We can’t note everything we hear in class, but four sets of notes with four different perspectives increase knowledge and understanding.
Kim Johnson
Pasadena, Texas
