Editor:

In August, I will graduate from the University of Arizona. I have no regrets about the four years that I have been here and consider the UA to be a first-class institution with some outstanding faculty. However, in the four years that I have been here, rarely have I seen President Pacheco at a public event, and the lack of his presence at a recent university event prompted me to write this letter.

The Evening of Excellence is a night to honor the students, staff, faculty and clubs of the UA for the quality of work that has been performed in the past academic year. Awards ranging from "Outstanding Senior Man and Woman of the Year" to individual club awards were presented to worthy recipients throughout the evening. Academics, service, dedication and other factors contributed to the decision about who was to receive awards.

I cannot understand why the president of the university did not attend this special night for so many students at the university. At a time when the university falls under heavy criticism for a lot of different reasons, it would seem to me that the president would want to be present at the presentation of such distinguished awards. What does it say to the students and staff of the university when very few, if any, from the administration (outside of the Student Union director, who I applaud for attending) shows up at an event that spotlights the accomplishments of the university? To me, it says they do not care enough to show their support, and would rather administrate from an ivory tower where they are not forced to interact with the campus population. President Pacheco, I look forward to some sort of response, although I doubt you will provide one. I have gained valuable lessons at the university in the past four years, and this is certainly one of them. It is fortunate that the faculty of the university cares a bit more about the students than the administration.

Dan Miller
communication senior