Baker Institute essential to campus

2/3/11 6:00pm

Congratulations are in order for the Baker Institute's most recent accolades (see story, page 1).The institute, which made the top 20 global university think-tanks and top 30 national think-tanks in a recent ranking by the University of Pennsylvania, has made quite a name for itself in just under two decades of existance.

For starters, the nonpartisan public policy think tank brings together faculty that represent a diverse cross-section of departments. And the institute's ability to procure such experienced fellows has profound impacts on Rice's overall visibility. In particular, Director Edward Djerejian should be recognized for his significant dedication to the institute, and we have no doubt it would not be the same without his many contributions.

The effects of the institute can be seen across campus and, on more than a few occasions, beyond the hedges. Take, for instance, the Egyptian exchange that sent Rice students to the American University of Cairo and brought AUC students to visit our campus. Each year, the institute attracts a plethora of famous speakers to campus, including Nobel laureates, ambassadors and a variety of other leaders. If not for the institute, how many students would have had the chance to interact with these speakers in person?

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Aside from hosting a wealth of guests on campus, the institute also provides opportunities that students from all backgrounds would be remiss not to take advantage of, such as research and forums for discussion. The Baker Institute Student Forum also provides a great resource for students interested in public policy at any level.

We at the Thresher are proud of the institute's many

accomplishments and look forward to more achievements in the years to come.

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