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News
Freshmen select class government Institute plans new initiatives for undergraduate programs
Ed/Op
Editorial Notebook
Employees need proper training Top Hat
Improve advising system Staff Editorial
Alcohol with rush causes problems for everyone Editors Corner
Gift choices require input Derby
Utilize Union resources to achieve your full potential Letter to the Editor
Recognize Sheer Idiocy Letter to the Editor
Support teams anyway Independent Council
IC needs your input to be most effective My View
Have friends seek help if needed Letter to the Editor
Keep giving to aid efforts Letter to the Editor
No smoking applies to all
Features
Cultural groups display their pride in Union iEAR hosts its first film festival Dave Barry
College students enjoy messy freedom from home Leadership conference provides educational entertainment Pep Band takes top honors in local parade Students enroll in Troy ESL program CDC updates services, offers new seminars Sitar offers region’s best Indian, elegant ambience
Sports
Football loses triple OT heartbreaker Lack of intensity dooms men’s soccer X-Country places fifth RPI’s confidence wanes after losses Two games, two goals, two losses for RPI Weekly Round Up
Castleton knocks off Rensselaer
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Rensselaer in Brief
Jackson appointment
This past Monday, the IBM Board of Directors elected President Shirley Ann Jackson to their ranks. Samuel Palmisano, IBM’s CEO, who was awarded an honorary degree from RPI earlier this month while giving a presidential lecture, cited her experience in leadership in technological research as a prime reason for her election.
Jackson’s election to the IBM Board of Directors brings the board’s membership to 13 and Jackson’s own board memberships to seven. She also serves on the boards of the FedEx Corporation, the New York Stock Exchange, Marathon Oil, Public Service Enterprise Group, and U.S. Steel. New Pillar named
Christopher Davey, RPI’s lead environmental specialist, was presented with the Pillars of Rensselaer Award, a gift of $500, and a Tiffany sterling silver pin. The award was established by former Dean of Students Carl Westerdahl in 1993, and recognizes an employee’s role in raising employee morale, showing concern for student welfare, playing an active role in the community, and possessing general qualities of integrity and reliability.
Many of the nominations Davey received from fellow staff and faculty cited his good nature, professionalism, and his status as an employee role model. He received particularly gratifying remarks regarding his preparation for orientation and commencement, two of the most important events that take place at RPI in a year. The award was presented as part of the Service Recognition and Retirement Dinner that honors distinguished and retiring faculty and staff annually. Segways still rare in N.Y.
The Segway, a small battery-powered stand-up scooter, gained popularity as a sightseeing vehicle in many cities after being introduced by its inventor, Dean Kamen. New York, however, is an exception. In New York, Segways are considered motor vehicles and as such, cannot drive on sidewalks. They are not allowed on the road either, however, as they do not meet state roadway safety requirements.
Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian invested in one several years ago with the intention of using it to zip around Troy and connect with constituents. Tutunjian, however, is hesitant to use his human transporter as they have not yet been made legal. So far, about 43 states have legalized the Segway and devices like it. Last year, he loaned it to an RPI class that used it as a model to build its own.
Last spring, a bill legalizing Segways in New York State—excepting New York City—subject to local regulation, passed the Senate. The bill has remained in Assembly Committee all summer and may be brought up there soon.
Resistance, however, is not absent. The American Automobile Association and the American Lung Association both oppose it, saying that they pose dangers to the road and will further discourage walking, one of the few healthy activities Americans still engage in.
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