Office of the President

Speeches & Reports

Campus News and Updates from Interim President Loftin

October 20, 2009

Howdy from your Interim President!

• I'm writing to you from China, but I'm still smiling after last Friday's visit by President Obama, President Bush "41" and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, as well as other dignitaries. I don't think the event could have gone any better. Even the weather was perfect. Several people here have told me that news reports from the event helped them better understand Texas A&M's reputation for selfless service and respect. Also, I understand that President Obama was highly impressed with the cadets he met at Duncan Dining Hall after his speech.
• I'm looking forward to meeting members of the A&M Club here in Beijing this evening. Getting to know former students is one of the best parts of the job. At one recent A&M Club meeting, someone asked me a tough question during the Q&A session following my remarks, then said I didn't have to answer it. I want you to know that I don't mind tough questions. In fact, I like them because most of the people who ask them care deeply about Texas A&M. If I don't have an answer, I'll say so, but I'll never back away from discussing difficult issues.
• Those of us who were students here in the late '60s also experienced some heartbreaking losses in football. Let's always remember the bigger picture, as described in the introduction to Aggies: A Century of Football Tradition, published in 1994: "While [other] schools' football traditions are built on won-loss records… A&M's have been uniquely characterized by examples of leadership, devotion and dedication rarely seen in athletics today."

Until next time, Gig 'em Aggies! As always, you can send comments or questions to president@tamu.edu.

Dr. R. Bowen Loftin '71
Interim President