The next nominee for person of the year is in his 23rd year of service at Rensselaer. His name is Rick Hartt and he is the director of the Union. He has been here since 1978, coming on as the director of student affairs and then moving to director of the Union in 1983.
As the director of the Union, Hartt works with student leaders on initiatives and ideas and how to get them accomplished. He also serves as an advisor, a mentor, and a source of information for many students at Rensselaer. Hartt works with the President of the Union and the Union Executive Board on a daily basis to see that everything in the Union runs smoothly.
What does Hartt like about Rensselaer? He says he really enjoys interacting and working with the students here. He says that the students here are creative, innovative, challenging, and good thinkers.
Hartt talked about how at meetings that he has with students, they will constantly challenge him with new ideas—he challenges them back, appreciating their enthusiasm and interest. He also values the support he receives from his staff and the initiative that the students at Rensselaer have. He really enjoys watching students grow throughout their experience at Rensselaer and beyond.
As far as what needs to be changed, Hartt feels that a few years ago the biggest thing Rensselaer was lacking was direction. People knew what they wanted to know, and how to do it, but there was no real direction or set of goals to follow. He feels that The Rensselaer Plan does an excellent job of that, and it really gives some challenges to the staff, faculty, and students as well.
Hartt was a student at Rensselaer from 1966-1970 and then went on to teach chemistry, math, and physics for a few years before coming back. His wife graduated from Rensselaer as well. Hartt has two sons—one who will graduate college this year and one who is a freshman in high school.
Keep an eye on The Poly later in the semester for more details on how to vote for Rick Hartt.
