Introduction Letter to Students
MICHAEL K. YOUNGPresident
May 1, 2015
Dear Students,
In the early days of our interest in Texas A&M University, we visited the College Station campus a few times. Our first visit was jam-packed with meetings and tours beginning in the very early mornings and lasting until well after dinnertime. It was admittedly exhausting and yet remarkably energizing.
Marti and I knew very little about Texas A&M when we started this process, so we Googled and Binged and did everything we could to conduct a crash course on the who's who and the goings-on here. We investigated the locale, the University's strengths and challenges, the faculty profile and research agendas, the diversity, the traditions and the timelines. We knew we were drawn to certain things here with regard to the depth and breadth of the faculty and their intellectual excellence. We were tremendously impressed with the focus on the quality of the undergraduate experience. We learned that Texas A&M has everything it needs to take its rightful place as one of the world's preeminent universities. But we were already at a great, very important and impactful university. Even with all of the attractions we could consider in the move, it was still a move.
At the end of a long day of reconnaissance here in College Station, we were guided into a room with several students. We heard their reasons for coming to Texas A&M. They shared their ambitions and dreams. We listened to their compliments and concerns. But most importantly, we heard their passion for being part of the solution and their understanding of their responsibility in the coming world. They were deeply and profoundly committed to solving the great global challenges.
Near the end of this remarkable conversation, my wife touched my hand underneath the table and glanced at me. She knew what I knew: we were coming to Texas A&M.
I tell you this story because I want you to know that it is our faith in you that has brought us here. You are examples to the world, whether you realize it or not, and we are here to make sure that your hopes, your dreams and your ambitions are realized. We are honored to join you in this great enterprise.