Don Cunningham appointed 
Chicago Police Superintendent!

Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004

Dear Mr. Cline,

About 18 months ago, I was downsized from my job in the suburbs and began commuting to IIT for Ph.D. classes. While in the city, I am often approached on the streets or the trains and asked if I am Police Superintendent Phillip Cline. Sometimes police officers would mention the similarity of our appearances. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence, until one police officer even briefly mistook me for you. It was also probably because I was wearing a sweatshirt with the Chicago Police Judo Club's emblem at the time, a present from one of your police officers and fellow judoka from when I had practiced with them.

I became quite curious and tried unsuccessfully to locate your photograph on the Internet. I assumed we might have some basic feature similarities. Last night, though, I happened to watch you making some announcement on the television news regarding safety precautions planned for New Year's Eve. The resemblance is remarkable. My wife was also amazed at how much we look alike. It seemed as if I was watching myself talking in the mirror.

I have resided in Aurora for about 10 years and only made infrequent visits to the city until enrolling at IIT. About the same time as I began taking classes, I shaved my beard, leaving only my mustache. Maybe that's why no one noticed the resemblance before.

I am attaching some recent photographs as well as an older one when I had my beard. I think you will also agree that our similarities are a bit uncanny.

I am sending this to you in hope that it might brighten your day a bit. Also, I thought you should know in case someone approaches you and asks if you're Professor Don Cunningham. At least you will know what they are talking about.

Best wishes to you and your family for the New Year!

Sincerely,

Don Cunningham