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.
