How Nice to See a Wealthy Couple
That Seems to Know What Counts

From the current Miami University (of Ohio) alumni publication: "Almost without exception the successful people I have observed over the years, regardless of their professions, have been clear and persuasive writers. The ability to write well seems to be a common thread for future achievement," said Roger Howe, who with his wife Joyce recently gave $10.5 million to the university, in hopes of making it "the nation's best university at teaching undergraduates to write" and "creating a culture of writing excellence."

Okay, so we're on the record in our belief that no one can really teach another to write. But obviously, there's much that can be done to lay the groundwork for those who are serious about pursuing the craft. And I say hats off to this fine couple for putting their money into something more meaningful than another dreary exercise of getting their name on a dorm. If this gift touches just a couple dozen students, and I have no doubt it will do that and more, than they've done a really wonderful thing.

You can read the entire piece here.