This past Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending the RPI Players’ performance of The Crucible. I must say I was taken aback by the talent of the cast and the message that was conveyed through the diligent work of the directors and production of the show.
Before the performance an award was given called the Q award. It is in recognition of a student that has contributed to the operation and success of the RPI Players, but does not get the recognition they rightfully deserve. The Q Award has been given annually starting in the early 1990s in memory of Christine Quinlan. Christine was the ultimate volunteer for Players, never asking for much, but always getting the job done. I think there is something we can all learn from Christine: the world is filled with leaders, innovators and important people. We are all measured by some metrics whether we like it or not, and some may be better at certain things than others. At time we tend to forget that we are all truly equals in that we have equally important roles in life. The RPI Players are just one example. While we can easily marvel at the lead roles—since they truly do an exemplary job. Still, one must look at what occurs behind the scene to get the complete picture. The performance would be nothing were it not for the countless hours of work completed by the technicians, box office crews, and directors.
Take the Rensselaer Union for example. If I decide that I want to take a week or two off from my duties with the Union, I am confident that student activities would continue, probably unhindered. Now let’s say Paul Gilbert, our Senior Environmental Specialist—who is retiring this December after 10 years of service—decided to take a day or two off from his role in the Union. I am not sure how long we would be able operate, but I am sure the appearance and condition of the building would quickly deteriorate.
There are countless others on campus that contribute to the operation of Rensselaer and make up the very fabric of our campus life; that simply do not get the credit and recognition they deserve. Basic functions that we take for granted in the Union and beyond are essential to the operation of our daily lives. So take pride in whatever job or role it is that you have on campus.
It goes well beyond that fact that we must all work in order to provide for ourselves and loved ones in a market economy, but I would like to believe our work goes beyond that. We express who we are through what we do, and how we do it. The one thing that strikes me about Rensselaer’s faculty and staff is that they all have passion for students regardless of their role on campus.
