EDITORIAL: SERVICE

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Hobby deserves praise for dedication to the public good.

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What good comes out of that rag? Unfortunately, this is a common question we hear in regards to the Thresher . Of course, every publication in the nation is subject to the same question, even The New York Times . For once, though, we have something to cheer about, even without the Pulitizer Prize.

A recent Houston Chronicle article, buried on page 27A in the March 17 issue, reported that University of Houston Chancellor William P. Hobby Jr. earns one dollar in his position. Hobby waived all but a dollar of his salary when he took over the position last year, making him the lowest paid administrator in the state.

You might ask, how does this relate to the Thresher ? Hobby was editor in chief of The Rice Thresher in 1951-1952. He is but one of a number of editors of the Thresher who have become the best in their fields, exemplifying the honesty, integrity and work ethic that they learned during their days as Thresher staffers and editors. But Hobby has taken the journalistic goals and lessons a step further.

A journalist is ultimately a public servant. Hobby understood this when he was publisher of the now-defunct Houston Post, a paper that won a Pulitzer during his time there. He also understood this when he served Texas as lieutenant governor. He never flaunted his wealth, rather, he diligently served the public without a thought of the public repaying him for his services.

He has carried this ideal into his job as chancellor, and we at the Thresher are deeply moved and proud of our alumus. He exemplifies everything that's right in this world, and the University of Houston has and will continue to flourish under his leadership in much the same way as this newspaper and this university flourished with his guidance.

This item appeared in the Opinion section of the March 22, 1996 issue.

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