Cooperation necessary to success
To the Editor:
“It’s not easy being green.” Humorous but thought-provoking words from a muppet frog.
I don’t know why, but amongst The Washington Post, Technology Review, The Economist and many other periodicals that I peruse daily for lack of owning a television (personal preference), I make time in my busy schedule to keep abreast of the ongoings at Rensselaer, from the main webpage to the online version of The Poly.
I want to commend the faculty and the administration for a tremendous job of taking the institution to unprecedented levels. I can not begin to tell you how incredibly impressed “non-RPI” people are by the school’s leadership, caliber of talent and cutting-edge research emanating from the faculty, students, and even the administration. Living in D.C. for over three years, a city full of name-droppings and political innuendo aspirants, “It’s not easy being green” amongst the Harvard, Yale, MIT caliber level graduates; but with the excellent education, experience, and opportunities that I found at RPI, I soon realized that I was no different.
Amongst the growth and success of RPI during President Shirley Ann Jackson’s tenure, there has been at times “rabble-rousing.” One faculty member that I was good friends during his days at RPI whimsically commented that the faculty could be divided as being part of two groups, BS (Before Shirley) and AS (After Shirley). In all honesty, initially, I was skeptical of Jackson’s intentions, but over the past nine years I have seen a tenacious, caring, and courageously strong advocate for RPI’s recognition and growth on both the national and international platforms. Having worked the past five years in public policy, law, and government-related endeavors to science and technology, I have never seen so much name recognition accorded to my alma mater. Jackson’s work and commitment inspired me to take charge with a team of dedicated locals to create our own Renaissance for the RPI DC-Baltimore Alumni Chapter. We are just getting started and my goal is to de-throne two-time champ New Jersey from Best Chapter of the Year. See our progress at http://www.alumni.rpi.edu/involved/chapters/washingtondc.html.
My thoughts to the faculty and students are simple. You are part of this great transformation and the bridge cannot be crossed unless you too are willing to lay down your arms and work with the administration to bring Rensselaer to its fullest and greatest potential, as envisioned by Amos Eaton and Stephen Van Rensselaer. All sides need to be forthright, honest, willing to cooperate, and most importantly willing to forgive while never forgetting. Communication is essential in ensuring that all sides stick to the plan and remember that the school needs to move forward together. We are on the cusp of great transformation; let us see this come to fruition.
Nagesh Rao
ALUM ’02
President of the
DC-Baltimore Alumni Chapter
Be courteous
To the Editor:
I must strongly disagree with The Poly’s Photography Editor, Mr. Zach Baum, in his assessment of the courtesy of the staff of Father’s Marketplace. I have been a regular customer of Father’s since the establishment first opened and I have found all the members of the staff during that time to be unfailingly courteous. The current members of the staff, from Union Dining Director Rob McIntosh to the ladies and gentlemen—including the student help—that serve at the counter have likewise always been outstanding examples of courtesy. I hope very much that you will publish this letter to counter the very misleading impression created by Baum’s article.
Euan Somerscales
Emeritus Professor
