German is left out of YSU quest for diversity

German is left out ofYSU quest for diversity
EDITOR:
The recent decision of Youngstown State University to not replace the current German professor is causing the major and minor programs to cease. I am not in the department, but I feel that this decision is a very poor one. I am a math major, and I know that every student in the school of Arts and Sciences is required to take two semesters of a language.
Out of the 38 majors that the school offers, German is probably the most applicable language to most of them. I will grant that the first two semesters of the language are still being offered, but nothing past that will be. I have a great concern not only for the fact that students cannot further their knowledge of this important language in the arts and sciences world (past the basics of the first two semesters), but the fact that our school will no longer have majors or minors in German.
I would also like to note that news reports have stated that to increase diversity at YSU, five new faculty positions will be funded for departments to hire underrepresented faculty. I would like to point out that a whole department (that happens to have a good deal of importance) is being dropped because a new faculty member isn't being hired. Now the university is finding the funding for five faculty members that aren't necessarily in academic demand, but are needed to increase diversity.
MATTHEW WARD
Youngstown
Cardinals flew high
EDITOR:
Awesome classy, charismatic, intelligent and talented are a few of the words that can be used to describe the young men of the Canfield football team. Never in the history of Canfield schools has there been a group of young men who have created such excitement, enthusiasm, and fervor in our schools and community. While the final score was not what the team and their supporters had hoped for, no one can argue that the season -- 15 thrilling games -- was anything but a great accomplishment of which we are all very proud. I congratulate and salute the superior achievements of our coaching staff who unselfishly gave of their time and talents during this monumental season.
I would be remiss if I did not mention and recognize the hard work and success of the cheerleaders, band members, team managers, statisticians, trainers and staff who unwaveringly supported the team and added a finishing touch to this outstanding season. An extraordinary group that I am most grateful to are the parents of the above mentioned students who volunteered their time, resources, and support during this tremendous season. Special recognition is given to our energetic student body who demonstrated what impact loyal and dedicated fans can make.
In a recent banquet address, I stated that this football team has created school history, has set new standards for athletic achievement, and has added new meaning to the word "pride." This infectious pride extended to our neighboring schools and counties. Heartfelt thanks go to the students, coaches, and community members of the Mahoning Valley who sent positive words of support and encouragement to our team members. We especially appreciate the students and staff of Western Reserve High and Middle schools who met the caravan of Canfield buses traveling west on Route 224 on the way to the state finals tournament. Those students waited in front of their schools with large signs and shouted cheers supporting their friends from Canfield High School. Even the fence in front of Western Reserve High was decorated with the slogan, "Go Cards!" Thanks, Blue Devils!
We, the staff and students of Canfield schools, appreciate the supportive Mahoning Valley residents, the talented members of the media who added positive value to our season, and finally, the greatest fans a team could wish for -- those who traveled miles, endured bitter cold, and jumped, shouted, and cheered as history was made. Thanks for joining us on this exciting, humbling, and inspiring journey -- a ride we will never forget.
DANTE J. ZAMBRINI, Superintendent
Canfield Local School District