And now, for the moment you have all been waiting for … my farewell column! In short, it has been a tremendous year on all counts, and I wish you all the best of luck with your endeavors in school and life. I look forward to hearing exceptional news from my soon-to-be alma mater and all members of the Rensselaer community from my home on Long Island and employment in downtown New York City. It has been an honor to serve the students and work with the administration, faculty, and staff. I will not soon forget the lessons I have learned, nor the friendships I have made.
Now for my more winded adieu.
On my exeunt from the office of the Grand Marshal, I have a few parting words of gratitude and knowledge for those I have been fortunate to work with, and the greater mass that I have not met, but who shall carry on the pride and traditions of Rensselaer after May 12 at 9:30 am.
I applaud the Board of Trustees for their efforts to continually understand and improve the academic and social environment here. Affording my partner, the President of the Union, and myself the chance to speak to them on the students’ behalf, as well as supporting quality of life initiatives like residence renewal, has exhibited their commitment to bring Rensselaer to the forefront of technical institutions in the near future.
To Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, president and new member of the Top Five Most Influential Females in my life (just below Mom and Jena), I commend you one last time as a student. Ink constraints will keep this short, but I will emphasize my belief that your depth of vision and strength of character will surely achieve not only the 140-plus "We will …" statements of The Plan, but the unforeseen (ahem) gifts that transform steps to leaps and leaps to bounds. It has been my privilege to work with you, but please give me a few years to amass my fortune before calling!
My unexpected thanks go to Interim VP of student life, Dr. Eddie Ade Knowles. I had planned on thanking you for being a great administrator for almost a quarter century at RPI, and being so pleasant to work with. But I also have to note your efforts to diversify academic offerings and advance the social scene here. You have exemplified the devotion to students and community we need more of on this campus as we create the new standard among our peers.
This year has enabled me to become better acquainted with a true team of people solely dedicated to the students and our Union. For those who have not met or dealt with the Union Administration Office and Archer Center, I suggest you pop into the third floor office and check them out. Director Rick Hartt has and will continue to wear many, sometimes undesirable hats, and encourages his team to do the same—which they do without question. Since I cannot quantify their worth, please visit them to see for yourself. Not only will they be happy to see and assist you, but you may also be able to snag some of the home baked goods and jelly beans usually offered.
Many work days and nights would have been long, quiet and dull had I not been paired with such a great partner in crime, Lucas Johnson. Whether sharing a laugh, comparing notes, wearing hats that did not fit us, or even butting heads, you helped this year go smoother than could have been expected. No regrets … only lessons to learn from. I hope I was at least a fraction of the support you were for me. Oh, and thanks for digging me out, Chief!
To those members of my Senate who continually pushed to get through the muck of politics, I am grateful for your support and persistence. You have made this place better—whether the students acknowledge it or not. Good luck here and afterward in realizing your aspirations!
As for Cosmo, Katie, Kareem, Chris, Mike, Bob, Ryan, and Gary Judd—you have all taught me a tremendous amount about RPI, the world, and most importantly, myself. Your perspectives and advice helped make tough decisions easier and rough terrain navigable. Although sleep and food deprivation made me a bear at times, you stuck with me and were there when I needed you.
As I close, I must pay special tribute to the group of people I had no control over having in my life. Fortunately for me, I got lucky. Mom, Dad, and Jena—these were four great years. Surprisingly, the kid who was never at a loss for words cannot find the ones that accurately express how your love and undying faith in him made a world of difference. So I will just say thank you, and smile.
May the wind be at your back and the sun never set on your dreams. May God bless you, your families and friends, and dear old RPI. I bid you all a fond farewell.
