As a former student, who traveled from Henderson, N.C . to the N.C . State Campus, 31 miles from the Virginia Border, to attend early morning classes, or meet with my advisor, I was not affected by “Assigned Seating” story by Nijah Toshumba .

However, the irritation of students who would rhythmically bump your seat in tempo with the cadence of the lecturer can be very annoying, or those who arrive late and have to climb over you with their backpack getting to their seats.

As mentioned by Ms. Toshumba in her article, one solution would be to have the student sign it each class day with their time of arrival.

I am more senior than most students at the half century mark. I made it a point to be front and center, to better pay attention and  to see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil.

Finally, the front page story “Family of the Year named,” gives me pause.  I realize most readers do understand it’s important to keep the alumni happy throughout the year.

However,  if I’m not mistaken, during my attendance in 1992 Ed Funkhauser , a professor in communications who later became dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was on the staff.

If Caroline Funkhouser , a junior in communications, who received the Family of the Year Award, is a relative, it would seem inappropriate on her part to accept the award.

Communications organizations, radio and TV stations that offer contests and prizes for their listening audience make it a point to issue disclaimers disqualifying family members, workers, sellers in order to avoid an appearance of impropriety. Shouldn’t N.C . State?

Daniel Young 

N.C . State alumnus