A new era begins today at BYU. President Cecil Samuelson steps down as the 12th president and Kevin Worthen takes the reins as number 13. University presidents really set the tone for what goes on at a university. President Samuelson went around every year and visited the colleges and departments at the university to meet the faculty and staff and learn about the work they do. I met him early on in his administration and when I saw him again on campus, he remembered my name. That really impressed me about him. He really seemed to want to get down in the trenches and know what was going on at the university. His 11 year tenure comes to a close and we are all anxiously waiting to see if he returns to wearing red (the U of U colors and his alma mater) or if he stays true to Cougar Blue. Time will tell.
The BYU students started a tradition of saying "whoosh Cecil" after every scored free throw at basketball games. Cecil would then give a thumbs up. He continued this tradition for many games over many years. He was a good president who was very approachable. He will be missed at BYU.
His replacement, Kevin Worthen is a fine choice as a new president. He was in Rick's class in law school and Rick knows him and says he is a fine (and very smart and capable) person. Goodbye and good luck President Samuelson and welcome and best wishes to President Worthen.
2 comments:
Good luck to "Whoosh Cecil" and best wishes to Kevin Worthen. He was by far the brightest star in our law school class, and I think he is a real, true "BYU guy" unlike his immediate past predecessor. I believe that was a good choice. Now let's see what he can do to keep BYU football and other sports relevant and continuing to be included in the national discussion.
Instead of "Whoosh, Cecil," the students should now say "Count it, Kevin" each time the Cougs make a free throw at a home game.
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