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LETTERS
To the Editor
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Kevin Murphy
Robert Topel
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Healthy Research
Your recent article discussing the economic benefits of medical and health research emphasizes the importance of increased investments in research, not only in terms of better health, but also in terms of bettering the U.S. economy
(
“The Cost of Living,” Spring 2000).
The economic benefits cited in the article underscore the importance of increased funding for research, a goal that the American public strongly supports. In fact, according to public opinion polls (including one in Illinois) conducted by Research!America, a nonprofit public education and advocacy organization, 66 percent of the American public supports doubling federally supported medical and health research. And as Professors Murphy and Topel conclude in the article, doubling research funding “would have only a small impact on the overall federal budget,” but “would have an enormous payoff” by reducing deaths from major diseases, by improving health, and by improving quality of life for Americans.
While the economic costs of illness in the U.S. approach $3 trillion annually, only 1 percent of the federal budget is spent on research for cures, treatment, and prevention for all diseases and disabilities. As a nation, we can do better. As a nation, we must do better! As a Chicago native, I am proud that Chicago GSB made the effort to feature the article and do its part in getting the message out to its readership.
Mary Woolley
President, Research!America
Alexandria, Virginia
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Alumnus Reacts to Redesign
When I first picked up the latest edition of Chicago GSB, I didn’t know it had been revamped. However, as I breezed through it, I did notice the improvements. In particular, I noticed the following:
- It was visually appealing.
- It was focused on stories about GSB alumni.
- It had an excellent Class Notes section.
- It was well laid out and very readable––in fact, I read it cover to cover,
something I rarely do.
In short, I think the improved publication is outstanding! It’s the best alumni publication I have seen. Good work. I will look forward to receiving future editions.
Joseph W. Giles, ’87
Director, Business Development
The Phillies
Philadelphia
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An Architectural Challenge
I was especially interested in the article on the new GSB campus
(
“Making History,” Spring 2000). It will definitely be an improvement to have all the school’s facilities together. I was dismayed, though, at the artist’s rendering of the outside of the building. While a building of that style would look fine in the proper location, it will not blend in with its planned surroundings. While one must not necessarily build in the old Gothic style (it would probably not be affordable anyway), I feel that the new building should at least identify with other buildings it will face. It will especially look out of place next to Rockefeller Chapel. I
am sure the interior will provide all of the functionality the GSB needs; however, I feel the exterior will look too much like an “oops.”
David Nowack, ’75
Philadelphia
Editor’s Note: According to Gary Eppen, deputy dean and member of the architectural selection committee, the architectural selection process was a long and thorough endeavor during which committee members from the university and the GSB––including faculty, administrators, alumni, and a student representative––considered many different plans and styles. The committee was particularly sensitive to the relationship between the new building and its neighbors, Robie House, Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, and Ida Noyes Hall. The plan that was approved, overwhelmingly, is one that the committee felt would harmonize well with existing buildings and stand alone.
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