To the Editor:

To keep the record straight, our new dean of students is not the first person to hold that title at SLU. (The University News, Aug. 31) The title dates back to 1955, when?Matthias B. Martin, S.J., who had been assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was named to the position. ?He joined the dean of men and dean of women in the Office of Student Affairs, which was located in then Chouteau House (now Cupples House.) The appointment marked recognition by the University that the SLU student body had increased in numbers and in need of service.

Father Martin held the position until 1967, when Busch Memorial Center was nearing completion. The University also was planning a new student retreat and conference center, Fordyce House,?at a site overlooking the Mississippi, and Father Martin was placed in charge of planning and construction. ?His successor was Thomas F. McQueeny, S.J.,?whose office was in the new student center, and he held the title of dean of student affairs. In 1973, in University-wide budget cuts, the positions of dean of men and dean of women were eliminated, and the duties were reassigned to the dean of student affairs. Father McQueeny moved to the new DeSmet High School, and Mary A. Bruemmer, who was named dean of women in 1967, was appointed dean of student affairs, a title she held until she retired (the first time) in 1985. ?She moved to the office of the vice president for development as assistant for stewardship, and retired (the second time) in 1990 to become a full-time volunteer. ?The title of dean of students/student affairs was eliminated, and the duties were assigned to three area directors.

We?welcome Scott Smith, the new dean of students, and wish him the best as he joins the student life staff!

Mary A. Bruemmer