Inspiring words from Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee appeared yesterday. Today: two statements by LSU Interim Chancellor William L. Jenkins (Fall, 2004 Alumni Magazine):

" . . . winning a national championship in football . . . But, more importantly, we were also stars in the academic arena."

The phrase "more importantly" has a nice ring to it. A football powerhouse that has its priorities in the right order.

" . . . I kindly ask for your continued assistance in helping LSU to become one of our nation's finest universities."

The phrase "to become one of our nation's finest universities is written in the future, not in the present. High level of aspiration for the future but modest and realistic recognition of the here and now. No mention of world class.