Posted on 12/18/2006 6:56:10 AM PST by 7jason
The Next Stage
Gates ends duties at A&M with ceremonies
By HOLLY HUFFMAN Eagle Staff Writer
Texas A&M University senior Caley Langewalter stood silent and still, his arms folded behind his back, as he prepared for the commissioning ceremony that would transform him from student to second lieutenant.
Standing on the stage just a few feet away was Robert Gates - outgoing A&M president, newly confirmed secretary of defense and soon to be one of Langewalter's top bosses.
Both Langewalter and Gates had started their tenure in Aggieland in the fall of 2002 - Langewalter as an Aggie freshman and Gates in his rookie year as university president. So it seemed especially meaningful, Langewalter said, to have Gates watching over the university's commissioning ceremony Saturday.
"It's kind of like we're on the same track," the 22-year-old political science major said, standing with fellow cadet and 2nd Lt. Josh Erkkila in a Reed Arena tunnel as the two waited for the ceremonies to begin. "We're both going into the same department of the government."
Joked Erkkila, a 22-year-old sociology major, "I don't think we'll get any special treatment, though."
More than 3,500 graduates took center stage last week during December commencement ceremonies at Reed Arena. But it was Gates who seemed to be the man of the hour at the three graduation rites, the university leader's final act as president before assuming his duties as defense secretary.
Praises for Gates were peppered throughout the Friday commencement ceremonies and Saturday commencement and commissioning ceremonies. Nearly all who spoke took a moment to express their gratitude.
Some mentions were humorous. The Association of Former Students President Van Taylor smiled as he told the Aggies he was inducting them into the organization on behalf of thousands of former students and "one secretary of defense." And later in the ceremony, A&M System Student Regent Tyson Voelkel joked that the Aggies likely would soon begin practicing their new yell - Beat the Hell Outta Terrorism - thanks to Gates.
Other remarks were decidedly more heartfelt. Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Chairman John White took the lectern to authorize the presentation of degrees but then deviated from the task at hand to praise the president.
The crowd let out an echoing "whoop" as White talked of the historic day. He went on to describe Gates as a role model for Aggies.
"He has done an incredible job of leadership by example and will continue to do so," White said.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain Anne Armstrong delivered the commencement address Saturday, speaking to students about the importance of communication, character and commitment. But before launching into her speech, she took a moment to focus on what she thought were the emotions of the day - pride and sadness that Gates would never again preside over Aggie graduations.
"This president will leave a legacy that will never end," she said. "He is one of the all-time greats."
As Gates prepared to present the last diploma of the day, a smile washed over his face as university officials announced that he had presented 48,553 degrees during the past 4 1/2 years. Moments later, as The Spirit of Aggieland filled the arena, Gates, his eyes welling with tears, dropped his head to his chest.
"Like all of you, I'm starting a new phase of my life after this commencement ceremony," he told the crowd, closing the ceremony with a brief, personal farewell. "Like all of you, this very special place has changed my life."
He encouraged the students to remember the importance of public service, explaining to the Aggies that they would never be truly successful without it.
"Good luck, Godspeed and Gig 'em," he said, raising his thumb into the air before leaving the arena one last time as president.
I guess freepers don't think much of old Gates. lol
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