LETTER: Sammy's successes, failures serve as invaluable lessons

---

by Stephe Gallagher

---

To the editor:

Thank you Rice students for giving me the privilege of being your mascot this past year.

I sincerely hope that I have lived up to my campaign promise of being a more energetic and spirited Sammy.

I apologize if I have offended anyone while trying to achieve this end, and I assure you that none of my actions were meant to insult this university or any of its members in any way.

On the contrary, I performed with the sole purpose of making athletic events more entertaining and increasing fan support for our fellow students on the field.

Specifically, I would like to apologize to those who felt it inappropriate for me (as Sammy) to resist the Campus Police as I was escorted from the Rice-Texas A&M University football game.

At the time, it seemed an innocent enough gesture that would help liven the crowd, especially the student section.

However, I did not foresee the full ramifications of my actions.

Nor did I foresee the possibility that negative publicity would be brought on our school.

Hopefully, this has not happened and all is now amended.

I encourage next year's Sammy to learn from this year's Sammy's successes and failures and to improve upon the tradition of Rice spirit we worked to achieve. Thank you again for the memories.

Stephe Gallagher

Sammy the Owl '95-'96

SRC '97

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the March 15, 1996 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.