As academic year 2000-2001 draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for what you have contributed to our academic achievements, our campus experience and memories, and life here in the Capital Region. I want also to wish each one of you the very best throughout this summer.
It has been an eventful year. Through your classwork, research, student government activities, campus organizations, clubs, athletic programs, and involvement in service to community children and families, you have definitely enriched the world around you and advanced the good reputation of our Institute, which has been devoted to "the common purposes of life" since 1824.
Many of you have played a key role in major developments here at Rensselaer—from the completion of the Mueller Center and the renovation of the Rensselaer Union, the opening of Barton Hall, the complete revamping of the first-year experience, and the selection of a vice president for student life, to the planning for the construction and programming of the Electronic Media and Performing Arts Center, and taking the first steps in designing a new Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies. I thank you for what you have done.
I also thank outgoing Grand Marshal Joseph Greco and President of the Union Lucas Johnson as well as outgoing Graduate Council President Kerry Dutkus, other student leaders, and the staff of The Polytechnic who have served Rensselaer so very well throughout this academic year.
The Cabinet and I very much look forward to working with Grand Marshal Gil Valadez, President of the Union Ariana Twitchell, and all other newly elected student leaders.
As you complete your class projects, research papers, and final exams, I wish you all the very best. Long experience provides me with the knowledge that this is a difficult and demanding time for all our students. Do well, but please take good care of yourselves in these hectic closing weeks.
I congratulate those who will be graduating. I will have much more to say to you at commencement, and I look forward to seeing your friends and families.
This year, we will bestow honorary doctorates on three exceptional Americans—Bill Cosby, who will be our commencement speaker, renowned sociologist and esteemed scholar on the racial divide and the urban poor William Julius Wilson, and Vinton G. Cerf, widely known as the "Father of the Internet."
To those of you who will return in the fall I wish you a most rewarding summer. Relax. Refuel. Spend precious time with those who love you. Use every opportunity for growth, discovery, and serving others.
Throughout the summer, we will remain ready to help in any way we can. Please get in touch with us if you have questions or suggestions.
