Letters
Hearkening back to Drew Hyland
Editor’s note: The following letters came in response to the spring 2025 back-cover photo and caption about Drew Hyland, Charles A. Dana Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus.
Professor Hyland was very unique on campus in the early ’80s. At a time when scholar-athletes were not as supported or appreciated as they are today, Professor Hyland was a true mentor and friend to athletes. At the time, I don’t think we completely understood how much he meant to us and what a breath of fresh air he was. He understood the challenges, the balancing act, the passion and commitment. He willingly and sincerely gave us his time and his humor.
I did not know enough at the time to comprehend how important he was and certainly never said “thank you” when I was 22 years old.
Professor Hyland . . . Drew . . . THANK YOU so very much.
Jim Bates ’84
Southbury, Connecticut
I took an intro to philosophy class (heavy on Greeks) with Professor Hyland as part of the guided studies minor from 1990–92. His intellect and athleticism inspired me to stretch mentally and try harder physically. After hearing of his “skiing and being” series from a video call, I wish I had the chance to take that, too. Be well.
John Prendergast ’94
Camden, Maine
Seeing the photo on the back of the spring 2025 issue of The Trinity Reporter, I recall taking the “Hellenistic Philosophy” class with Professor Hyland. This was in the mid-1970s. Until that point, I was totally enthralled by the Asian philosophies as taught by Professor Bill Puka. Dr. Hyland showed me the many similarities but also stark contrasts between the two approaches. This certainly broadened my understanding of the differences between eastern and western cultures, an interest which still resonates with me today.
Dennis Weise ’78
Palm Beach, Florida
Drew Hyland [was a volunteer assistant coach for] our women’s basketball team, the very first, at Trinity. He had played guard at Princeton as you well know, and his coaching was fabulous. He instilled in us a delight in the game. We—as a team—took a weekend trip to his Vermont house, ate an amazing bouillabaisse, and discussed The Philosophy of Sport well into the night. Great times!
Cilla Williams Bercovici ’77
Westerly, Rhode Island
Grad identified!
I was reading through the spring issue of The Trinity Reporter and saw the editor’s note about the back-cover photo of the 1984 grads. I am the unidentified graduate on the right! When my good friend Ami Clymer Maron ’83 got the fall issue of the Reporter, she called me before I even saw it! I am still happily married to Dave Berey ’83 and stay in touch with my good friend Maria DiBella Kiley ’84. Trinity not only gave me a great education but also my husband and two best friends!
Cathy Villano Berey ’84
South Glastonbury, Connecticut
Get in touch! The Trinity Reporter welcomes letters related to items published in recent issues. Please send remarks to the editor at [email protected] or Sonya Storch Adams, Office of Communications and Marketing, Trinity College, 300 Summit Street, Hartford, CT 06106.
