I hope all the residents of Utah realize how fortunate we were to have had a uniquely wonderful and wise individual, Kermit Hall, serve as president of Utah State University.
Often during my years of serving as governor and lieutenant governor, I would visit Utah State University. Without exception, I marveled at the vision and inspiration that President Hall provided both the students and faculty. As we toured the new engineering building, his love for the students was exemplified by the fact that he could give descriptions of jobs many of the students in the department had accepted upon graduation.
When, as governor, I challenged those involved with higher education to become a more active partner with the private sector in developing quality jobs for our students, Hall was at the forefront, saying, "We can do that." His willingness to continually challenge students and faculty to ensure that Utah State University was a world-class institution made that distinction a reality.
His tenure in Utah was relatively short, but his influence will be felt for years to come.
Olene S. Walker
New York City