Overheard

“I recently linked to the article in the online Furman magazine, ‘A Bridge to Connect Black Alumni,’ and saw this

I think I see what happened, but the optics make it look like Laura Baker, because she is not alumni, is somehow less than.

Why are all the other names bold – presumably because they are alumni? I noticed the same for our outgoing director of the center for inclusive communities, Deborah Allen, mentioned later in the article. Would the impact have been that much less if the alumni names were not bold or if Laura Baker’s and Deborah Allen’s names were bold?

There are so many people on this university campus that impact the lives of students, many who did not have the opportunity or privilege to attend Furman University. While the university moves toward a climate of inclusive excellence, one way we can do that is by eliminating instances of perceived inequality and status.

Of course we want alumni status noted, but not in a way that makes a non-alum look to not be recognized as a full member of the Furman community. Thank you for your time and attention.”

Robyn Andrews

Circulation Supervisor, Libraries Diversity  Coordinator, Platinum Pathways Academic Advisor,  Furman University Libraries

Editor’s note: We appreciate this new perspective on  a traditional style found in many alumni magazines. After discussing it with  Furman’s Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement, Furman magazine will retain  bold type for alumni names in the Class Notes section but use regular type in the  rest of the magazine.

Let’s Keep in Touch

We welcome letters about the magazine or any subject covered in the magazine. Letters should refer to a subject from a recent issue and include the writer’s name, graduation year and city / state. Please send them to magazine@furman.edu or to University Communications, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, S.C. 29613. Submissions may be edited for length or clarity.