While reviewing the calendar this weekend we realized how fast the end of the semester is approaching. In a couple of weeks the fall semester will be history, the holiday season will be upon us, and it will be time for a new year to begin. Before we come to a screeching halt and are completely overwhelmed with exams, projects, and papers, we would like to take time to reflect on the semester.
Amidst the tragedy, chaos, and disruption of the semester, some really amazing things occurred on our campus that should be noted before they are forgotten. First and foremost, we are very proud to be part of the Rensselaer family. We are a community of leaders that all and all respects one another.
We must again thank the Senate for their steadfast and bold leadership in issuing the Senate Resolution of September 11, 2001: a small paragraph that many of us will hold dear to our hearts as a special moment in our lives when the importance of family and community rang loud and clear.
The greek community of RPI should also be recognized for the organization of charity drives in those initial post-terror days. Their efforts have included raising money for widows and families, rallying pride in freedom, and even in organizing the September 11 blood drive in which so many of us participated. Their efforts have not ceased and have since actually gained momentum. We are facing a new reality.
In light of this fact, students at RPI kept living their lives everyday with a high level of excellence and pride. It has been the everyday steps of the students on this campus that have resulted in some amazing things. I would be willing to bet that many of you do not know that two members of the Class of 2005 were chosen to compete in Robotica, a show that is aired nationally on The Learning Channel, where participants invent robots to compete in a battle against one another.
Our fall sports teams achieved a level of excellence that we hope sets the stage for all of our teams this year. Field hockey was the first to team exemplify a successful season by capturing the State Championship. Women’s soccer followed with a winning season 17-3-0 record and marked their best season yet. As a result, they moved on to compete in and won the ECAC Tournament, setting a school record for wins in a season in the process. Football clenched an 8-0 undefeated season this weekend and will advance to the NCAA playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the East Region with a first round bye. They will host the winner of the first round match up between Montclair St. and Ithaca on Saturday, November 24.
There have been other successes this semester for many of the Union’s clubs and organizations. The Players just wrapped up a series of wonderful performances of Shakespeare’s Women, which gave a very unique insight to Shakespeare’s perspective on women. We are lucky to have such a talented group of artists on this campus. Last weekend we were delighted to enjoy the performances by the Rensselaer Music Association. The Union was filled with music from the Jazz Ensemble, Campus Serenaders, Concert Choir, Rensselyrics, and the Rusty Pipes.
Many of our campus’ multicultural organizations participated in the International Festival during Family Weekend. It was a wonderful display of food, culture, celebration, and people. A great percentage of our students come from countries other than the U.S.. The festival was a wonderful perspective of the unique meshing of cultures and students on our campus that makes RPI an exciting and diverse campus. We would like to thank all of you for taking the time to share your unique and beautiful cultures with the rest of the campus.
As we recap some of this semester’s successes, we realize that we truly have gained an enhanced sense of pride and appreciation for our fellow students. We would like you to know how impressed we are with your accomplishments and the way in which you live your lives everyday. RPI is extremely unique in that our students uphold leadership positions and undertake an immense amount of responsibility, in addition to excelling in their academics. We commend you for simply doing what comes so naturally.
