'Oberlin, I’m Impressed!'

That’s how television host Phil Donahue concluded his discussion with Janet Silver Podell ’64 some years ago. Since journalists establish empathy by drawing on commonalities—Donahue was born in Cleveland—Janet had mentioned to Phil that she was an Oberlin graduate. Instant empathy.

Oberlin impressed Janet too. “Even though I never took a college-level journalism class, Oberlin taught me to ask penetrating questions and write penetrating prose. I picked up the nuts and bolts on the job and at The Oberlin Review. But my liberal arts education stimulated the critical ability to talk about practically anything to practically anybody—not only in classrooms but in all-night bull sessions and in the snack bar,” Janet says.

“Reporting involves making interview subjects comfortable, steering a conversation and asking the unexpected, triggering out-of-the-box responses,” she adds. “Editing requires the clear-thinking skills that I learned in spite of myself, thanks to my professors’ sometimes-snide comments in the margins of my essays.

“My Oberlin education was a gift, one I don’t take for granted. That’s why Oberlin is part of my estate plan, and why I periodically call upon classmates to give back so others can benefit.

“In these market-driven times, a liberal arts education should not be a luxury for those who can afford it. A vocation may not be forever, but a solid liberal arts education nurtures lifelong learning and the facility to grow and adapt to changing times. Let’s help others to benefit from the priceless gift we received.”

Now semiretired and remarried, Janet continues to write and edit as Janet Silver Ghent. We are grateful for Janet’s dedication to Oberlin, and we hope that her story inspires you as you review the useful information in this newsletter.

You Can Inspire Future Students Too

Like Janet, you can help be a catalyst for the next generation of Oberlin students. To learn more, contact our Office of Leadership and Planned Giving at (440) 775-8599 or gift.planning@oberlin.edu.