Roar from the crowd Roar from the crowd Roar from the crowd

University of Washington Magazine travels around the globe every quarter, packed with stories on alumni and campus happenings. We're always glad to hear from our readers, whether they loved every page or thought we missed the mark. Send us your thoughts at magazine@uw.edu.

Kudos for the Colellas

I was delighted to see the article “Family Swim” (Summer 2026). The Colella family has been a cornerstone of the Northeast Seattle swimming community for decades, and it was wonderful to see their many contributions recognized. As both the parent of a swimmer who trained under them, and a colleague who has coached alongside them, I’ve seen firsthand the care, commitment and encouragement they bring to the sport. They continue to be outstanding ambassadors for swimming, a sport that is often overlooked at the UW. Fun fact: Rick Colella currently holds every Pacific Northwest Masters Swimming men’s record in the 70 to 74 age group (that’s 18 out of 18!). It is an incredible achievement and a testament to his lifelong commitment to swimming.
Kirsti Rochon, ’95, Seattle

The Colella siblings (L-R: Steve, Rick, Lynn and Pete) brought lots of fun to their photo shoot with Ron Wurzer.

Responsibility and Cost

“Beyond a Shadow of a Debt” (Summer 2026) identifies changes from earlier decades. But it makes clear there are similarities. A difference might exist in what students learn prior to college. For example, when I first enrolled in the UW in 1957, the word “responsibility” was deeply etched into me. I knew when I left high school, I was not prepared for college, so I joined the Navy reserves for a two-year enlistment. Another major difference was cost. A dollar then was probably equivalent to triple-digit dollars today educationally. While in the service, I took correspondence courses and attended Imperial Valley Junior College, and thus had about 25 college credits when I began at the UW. When I enrolled at the UW in 1957, I got a job working for The Seattle Times from 4 to 10 a.m. daily, and attended classes generally from 11 a.m. to 2 or 3 p.m. I thus earned my way through my first B.A. I realized that the percentages of my success were stacked against me. My father had to quit school in the eighth grade to support his mother, and he was the sole supporter of the family. I was the first member of the family to attend college, and that background contributed to my not being a very disciplined student from grades 1 through 12. But one thing I did know was that responsibility for my future was entirely in my hands. As your story noted, pragmatic and responsible decision-making is necessary.
Richard Pelto, ’61, ’68, ’72, Bothell

Refusal to Make War

The Summer 2026 issue’s “Roar From the Crowd” section included a letter from a 1969 graduate honoring himself for his military service (“An Honorable Life”). Our nation seems eager to honor those who participate in slaughter and maiming in the name of democracy, justice and any other supposedly justifiable cause. I have waited over 50 years for this nation to honor those who chose prison, exile, lost employment and career opportunities, and lonely separation from family and friends for refusing to kill, maim or torture other living beings. I would think more highly of the human race and of our nation if respect were occasionally shown for the bravery (yes, it takes guts to refuse to bow to society’s madnesses and accompanying punishment) of we who paid our dues through conscientious refusal to make war.
Dave Mandel, ’96, El Cerrito, California

The Desire to Give Back

Thank you for the article about Ben Brockie’s release and entrance into the UW (“No Time to Waste,” Spring 2026). At the close of this story is this quote: “I don’t think I’m unique or special. More people who are incarcerated are smarter and more driven. I just got a chance.” The opportunity to redeem oneself should not be left to chance. I have volunteered at Monroe Correctional Complex, specifically the Latino Development Organization, since August 2025, and I cannot express how smart and driven these men are. They have all chosen to leave the gang culture that is alive and well in the prison system. As a volunteer, my presence makes it possible for this community of incarcerated to build their own programming, education and self-improvement and the ability to contribute. Never have I seen the desire to give back so alive.
Cathy Ferbrache, ’72, Bothell

CORRECTIONS

• The photo of Suzzallo Library in the “Behind the Screens” story in the Summer 2026 issue should have been credited to Dennis Wise.
• Our “By the Numbers” infographic in the “Beyond a Shadow of a Debt” article should have said the tuition at the UW (Seattle campus) increased by 13.4% since 2015.
• The first name of Polyclinic cardiologist John Gust Doces, ’65, ’69, ’72, was misspelled in the Summer 2026 issue.
• Billy the Kid was born in New York City, not Silver City, N.M., as stated in the Sketches page on Seth Goodkind (Summer 2026).

Lead photo by Mary Levin. Got a bone to pick? Email your comments, questions and corrections to magazine@uw.edu.