Surprisingly, there has been very little written about the end of the era that we are now witnessing. So I find it fitting to devote my last column of this academic year, in the last issue of this newspaper this term, to College President James Wright. I mean, it's only fair that the last time he has someone skim this newspaper for him, something should be important enough for him to read.
While I'm sure many of you are expecting one last lambasting of President Wright and his policies, I assure you that is not the point of this column. I feel that, while it is important to challenge the establishment while it is still making the decisions, it is in very poor taste to verbally abuse someone who is on his way out the door. Such an article would have no beneficial impact on anything whatsoever. Instead, I would like to use this space to say thank you to President Wright.
While I remain unimpressed and a little disappointed with my short snapshot of the Wright presidency, I think President Wright is a man of great character and personal strength, and I refuse to believe that he would do anything but what he thinks is best in a particular situation. These characteristics shine through in his work with veterans, and in his everyday interactions with students. Despite all of the negative things I have written about Wright's administration, he has always has a warm smile, firm handshake and a "Glad to see you here, Phil" for me whenever our paths cross. Never once has he treated me differently than any other student, despite my criticisms. It takes a lot of personal strength and courage to do that and a solid memory too.
Wright probably developed his strength and courage during his time in the U.S. Marine Corps. Of course, it also takes a certain amount of courage to join the Marines in the first place. Because of President Wright's time in the service, I have nothing but respect for him. Although he seems to favor Marines over Army guys such as myself, it is clear he respects all those who have served and works tirelessly to give veterans the same opportunities as others.
The mutual respect between President Wright and the veterans on campus was on full display during the Dartmouth Undergraduate Veterans Association's second-annual flag ceremony this past Memorial Day.
President Wright was presented with the American flag (generously donated by Facilities, Operations and Management) as a sign of respect and gratitude. His work with veterans clearly stands out as a highlight of his years at the College. President Wright should be an inspiration to us. No matter how we feel about his actual job performance, Wright the man is worthy of our respect and gratitude. Our College would not be the same without him, and I'm sure it will not be long before the Class of 1953 decides to rename its "Dining Commons" (the long planned and anticipated dining establishment and common grounds planned for the parking lot next to the McLaughlin Cluster) after the figure behind the construction of all of the other new buildings on campus.
I thank President Wright for his time and service and dedication to Dartmouth, because no one can argue that he didn't give the staff, faculty, alumni and students his all.
