A 1973 Nursing School graduate, Rimel discussed the responsibilities of citizens, as well as philanthropies, when she returned to U.Va. Nov. 3 to receive the Women's Center 's 1999 Distinguished Alumna Award. Along with being honored at a benefit dinner at President John T. Casteen III's house that night, Rimel spoke to students at a private luncheon and gave a public talk in the Rotunda. It's easy to lead in good times.
Young people feel that no one is listening to their voices, and they're right.
She linked elections back to campaign financing by saying that not having full disclosure of contributions makes citizens feel like their votes aren't going to matter. Turning to Jefferson's Statute of Religious Freedom, she said the United States has gone too far in separating church and state, that religious views and morality should be brought to the table to enrich public debates. She later explained that she meant to enhance tolerance and understanding, not to advance political agendas or narrow views. Religion can provide social connectedness, and conversely, if there are tensions about different beliefs, they should be discussed openly, she said. She especially commended President Casteen and the Board of Visitors for continuing to support diversity in the student body despite recent attacks on admissions procedures.