U Magazine, Winter 1988

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THE EDITOR'S DESK

Heart and soul

USO lost a little bit of its heart and soul on October 9. That's the day College of Arts and Sciences Dean C. Joseph Pusateri's earthly existence ended suddenly and unexpectedly. It was typical of Dr. Pusateri that few of his colleagues even knew about the cancer that claimed his life. Never one to focus the spotlight on himself, he was nonetheless much respected by his colleagues and students alike. His faculty admired him for his loyalty to them; his students praised his teaching ability and his knowledge of United States history. He also was accessible to those who needed him. Messages to the dean's office never went unreturned very long. And he cared - very much - about people. It wasn't always obvious from his words, but his actions spoke louder anyway. Dr. Pusateri also was a champion of the liberal arts and of learning simply for learning's sake during his decade on campus. He once wrote,"... We are breaking away from a concept of education as merely a rite of passage or a preparation for maturity. Instead, we are coming to a recognition of the continuousness and pervasiveness of what takes place in college. The purpose of education, at least in this place, is not just to learn how to make a living, but to learn how to make a life that is worth living." Joe Pusateri knew how to make a life worth living. We shall miss him. Another bit of the University's heart and soul will depart campus in early February. That's when Sr. Virginia McMonagle, USD's number one friend-raiser, heads for Haiti and life as a friend and helper to the dying and orphaned in that nation. During her nine-and-a-half years on campus as director of constituent relations - a job title she's always detested because of its obtuseness - Sr. Virginia has earned her way into the hearts of hundreds of students, alumni, parents and friends of the University alike. How? By caring. By doing the little things that make this world a better place. Like checking up on ill students for concerned parents. Like finding secondhand clothing for students unable to buy any. Like remembering birthdays and anniversaries of her friends: Yes, there never will be another Sr. Virginia at USO. And that's okay. We don't want anyone to compete with our memories of the University's Superfriend. D DODOO

John Sutherland