Dr. Phifer responsible for Coe's success

Activities of Coe College students and faculty, under the leadership of Dr. James Phifer, who is retiring in June after 28 years, the last 18 as college president, touch many aspects of our community.

Interesting public lectures, battles of intrepid athletic teams at Clark Field in the autumn or Eby Fieldhouse in winter, the undefeated and unstoppable men's tennis team moving into spring, stunningly beautiful performances by the choir, dramatic presentations at Dows Theater, intriguing art exhibits in the Sinclair galleries, high-caliber research projects on the properties of glass by physics students, experiences from overseas exchange programs, the language and lives of international students on campus, all add to Coe's continuing success.

Jim and Linnie Phifer have made memorable the college experiences for thousands of students. The blend of small class size, outstanding professors and able students make an intoxicated brew. While I strongly disagree with the calamitous destruction of low-income housing around Polk School for the questionable goal of the east campus, the pros of Phifer's presidency far outweigh the cons.

English professor Frank Kermode in his memoir “Not Entitled” wrote that “scholarship ... is a true instrument of understanding, beauty and power.” Scholarship at Coe has been Phifer's top priority. I hope the graduating seniors carry these values of scholarship built upon study, conversations and interactions into the worlds opening up before them.

Hal Sondrol

Cedar Rapids