To the editor:

Last month, the Journal-World marked the passing of a remarkable man, Luther Buchele, who devoted his life to the cooperative movement. Not only did he help to start co-ops for Kansas University students in the 1940s, but he was responsible for mentoring thousands of students who lived in the large network of co-ops he managed for over 30 years at the University of Michigan.

I was, however, very dismayed to read the inaccurate statement in the Journal World article that co-ops are “no longer available” at KU. On the contrary, the co-op housing association that Buchele helped incorporate in 1941 still exists and currently owns three co-op houses: Sunflower House, Ad Astra House and the co-op at 1614 Kentucky (known as the Jayhawk Co-op when Buchele lived there).

In fact, Sunflower House will mark its 40th anniversary in 2009. Mr. Buchele spoke to me many times of his delight that the co-op system he helped to start was not only alive but growing. The wonderful legacy he left our world includes the continued opportunity for student co-opers at KU, Michigan and other campuses around the country to learn, through daily living, the importance of sharing, cooperation and putting people before profit.

Deborah Altus,
Lawrence