My husband and I, along with a small group of friends from Ohio and Texas, attended the University of Alabama football game last weekend. Our expectations were low considering the fact that Kent State Football is not highly rated.

However, we were pleasantly surprised by how well we were received by the University of Alabama and the Tuscaloosa community. We were impressed by the beautiful campus, but more importantly by the students, staff and Bama fans. We were treated with respect by all that we came in contact with and felt very comfortable being on campus.

We enjoyed the Alabama football traditions including the tailgate on the quad, the Million Dollar Band and the pride of the fans. We were pleased to hear that the athletic department stresses that athletes are students first!

When your area was devastated by the tornado last spring we watched the videos with horror and prayed for all of you! While visiting we toured the areas near the campus and it became more real to us. We liked the community spirit, “We are coming back!”

Having been students at Kent State on May 4, 1970, we remembered the healing process of returning to campus and continuing our lives and activities. The tragedy still remained, but we felt stronger as we forged ahead together.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend and great memories! Roll tide!

Sandy and Bill Adams are graduates of the KSU class of ’72 and ’71.