Just Bethany :)

I miss my Uncle.  It’s becoming more and more apparent to me, that he is still inspiring me, every step of the way.  My Uncle was probably the best journalists in the world.  I doubt I will ever be able to fill his shoes, and I don’t want to.  I always find myself wanting to call him up, and ask him questions, about pieces that I’m working on, or about sports in general.  He always encouraged me to go back to school and now that I am back in school, I can feel  my uncle encouraging me.  When I don’t feel like studying for a test, or reading a chapter, or you know doing homework, I always get that extra inspiration from nowhere, and I know it’s my Uncle, kicking my butt into gear.  Anyway, if you want to know about my Uncle or how amazing he was go and read some of the letters here.  Here is one of my favorite letters:

When I think about the death of Al Salvato, words fail me. It is impossible to believe that a man who was always so full of life and excitement could be dead, and at such a young age. The more I think about how many lives he touched, the more I realize what a truly great man he was.

Students could trust Al. No matter what he did or said, he had our best interests at heart. It seemed that he lived to help us in any way he could. I know that I am only one of many people he helped start a career in journalism. His help and advice have been invaluable to me.

He also cared so much about our lives. When I think about Al, I always remember how much fun I had sitting in his office and talking to him. Even though I always visited his office with the intent of asking him a question about journalism, by the time I left, we had covered all kinds of topics, ranging from our love of music to his memories of past students.

Even though Al is gone, I feel better knowing that thousands of students, as well as his family, friends and co-workers, will honor his memory and look back on his life with fondness. If a person is measured by their legacy, Al Salvato was one of the great men of our time.

Julie C. Vossler

Everything that I am going through, and everything that I want to accomplish, I know my Uncle will be there watching me.