Remembering Dr. Mac, who cared enough to confront

“Come in, come in!” Bone china teacups, cozy living room, polished woodwork, classical music – Elva McAllaster found dozens of ways to graciously welcome students. Ever observant, she tailored her response to the need – a handwritten note, the gift of a book or poem, a magazine article earmarked “just for you,” a promised prayer. Along with the warmth, however, came her expectation for rigorous scholarship. As one student put it, “She cared enough to confront.”