Texas A and M University - Aggieland Yearbook (College Station, TX)

Page 24 text:

Vandiver gives his commencement address during a May graduation ceremony. Above: Sporting a Horn Busters sweat¬ shirt, Vandiver speaks to the bonfire crowd. Right: Vandiver exchanges a word with Vice president George Bush at the 1984 spring commencement. 20 Features

Page 23 text:

Aggie Life Many will argue that student life is the most important aspect of col¬ lege. It’s true that A M’s high academic standards are the main attraction for students here. But Aggies like to think that A M makes College Sta¬ tion special and Aggies make A M what it is. One can’t help but to be drawn into Aggie Life. There’s so much happening on and off campus — something for every taste and fancy. Traditionalists and non¬ traditionalists alike share in the spirit of Ag¬ gie Life. The goal of providing a place for everyone in¬ vites new¬ comers to “get their feet wet” and jump into A M life. Seniors will say that it’s | the best way I to spend your college years. After all, they’re supposed to be the best years of our lives. Lisa Johnson, Editor Beverly Click, Assistant Yollie Eoylz, Assistant Student Programs page 64 Left: Fans anticipate A M’s win over Texas on Thanksgiving Day and train their thoughts on the Cotton Bowl. Above: A Fish Camp counselor listens to the camp directors with the campers prior to their departure from campus. Aggie Life 19

Page 25 text:

Vandiver resigns By Lee Schexnaider A shock wave swept through Texas A M on Jan. 7, 1988. The announce¬ ment that President Frank E. Van¬ diver was resigning his post as of Sept. 1, 1988, caught students, facul¬ ty and staff by surprise. After a seven-year term, Vandiver decided to pursue academic interests as director of A M’s new Mosher In¬ stitute for Defense Studies. He was also named Distinguished University Professor and President Emeritus. Deputy Chancellor James B. Bond said he regretted Vandiver’s decision to leave but tempered that regret with the realization Vandiver would re¬ main at A M. “You know that in the life of any¬ body they get to a point where they’re ready to hand over the mantle, but we’re so happy that he is going to stay here and do what he is so good at doing,” Bond said. “I think that the University is going to be a real benefi¬ ciary even though we’re losing a per¬ son who has been our standard-bearer and has done it extremely well.” But Vandiver’s term, marked by enroll¬ ment increases and several SWC football championships, was not with¬ out problems. He threatened to resign after the Texas A M Board of Re¬ gents hired Jackie Sherrill as head January 1982. The Board had hired Sherrill without the president’s con¬ sultation and asked him to fire then- head football coach Tom Wilson. Vandiver offered his resignation to the board twice before dropping the matter after the Board retroactively raised his salary to $100,000 — $5,000 more t han Sherrill’s salary. But late in the Vandiver presidency, conflicts with the Board appeared to have been resolved. As soon as Vandiver’s resignation and new position were announced, speculation began about his succes¬ sor. The Board set up two committees to aid in the search for a replacement. Board Chairman David Eller named himself, Vice Chairman Joe H. Reyn¬ olds, regents Douglas R. DeCluitt, William A. McKenzie, John Mobley and Chancellor Perry Adkisson to the presidential search committee. Ad- kission said the University would be looking for someone who has demon¬ strated abilities in administration, is a proven leader and has high academic credentials. Vandiver gave his own list of attri¬ butes the next president would need: “The wisdom of Solomon, the pa¬ tience of Job, and the stomach of a goat.” “You know that in the life of any¬ body they get to a point where they’re ready to hand over the mantle, but we’re so happy that he is going to stay here and do what he is so good at doing.” —Deputy Chancellor James B. Bond Features 2!