Hello, RPI! I hope that everyone is somehow managing the many projects, exams, and other assignments that are due over the next few days. It is hard to believe that after today, there is only one week of classes left in this academic year. Congratulations to all who will be graduating; I wish you the best of luck.
This past weekend I interviewed thirty candidates for next year’s E-Board. I had an extremely talented pool of applicants this year and had a very tough time making decisions as to whom I would recommend for the Board. Next week, once the Board has been approved by the Student Senate, I plan to introduce the new members of the 2013-2014 Union Executive Board in my last Derby of the year. So please stay tuned and be prepared to meet a wonderful, passionate Board next week.
I plan to continue the tradition of using the Derby to highlight the accomplishments of the more than two hundred clubs and organizations we have to offer here at RPI. This week I have two specific people in mind whose accomplishments deserve to be recognized.
I would first like to congratulate Mike Hermann ’13 from our very own varsity football team! He is now a free agent who has agreed to play for the Oakland Raiders starting this May. With an outstanding record and incredible athleticism, Hermann will make a wonderful addition to the NFL and the Raiders team specifically. If you see Hermann, make sure you wish him the best of luck!
On a different note, I would like to highlight one of our own Rensselaer Union employees, someone who provided the Union with over four decades of service, Anthony Cafararo. Fondly known as “Tony the Barber,” Cafararo was a dedicated friend and confidant to many within the RPI community. Some people visited him because he “had his Ph.D. in haircutting,” and some visited him because he was a great friend. It is with sadness that I inform you of his passing. Cafararo went above and beyond in serving our community for much of his life, and his presence in the Union will be deeply missed. In recognition of Tony’s service, the Executive Board has dedicated a picture and signed motion to be placed in the hairstylist’s location in the Union. If you have the time, please take a moment to stop by and honor Tony.
The Union Executive Board will also not be meeting this Wednesday at its regular time. For the clubs that need to see the Board before the end of the year, there is now an extra week to get everything in order. Instead of having a meeting, many of the members of the Executive Board will be attending the candlelight vigil for Michael Dickinson ’14, which is to be held at 8 pm on the ’86 field. I would encourage everyone to attend this event to support our RPI community. After the candlelight vigil, attendees will be gathering in the Center for Career and Professional Developement to share their feelings and good memories of Dickinson. Always remember that you are not alone in this time of loss.
If anyone has any questions or would like to discuss the content of my Derbys, I am always available. Feel free to reach out to me at pu@rpi.edu.