That was a fascinating read!
I've always wondered how "the powers that be" truly feel about Student Bonfire, or, in the case of President Bowen in 2002, the prospect of Bonfire continuing outside the control of the University. I generally choose to believe that our leaders who are themselves Aggies swell with pride every time they see another year pass with a safely-constructed, student-organized, student-built Bonfire. As representatives of an internationally prestigious multi-billion dollar research University, they simply cannot associate with Student Bonfire; as Aggies, I cannot imagine them not resting a little easier knowing that the values that built our beloved alma mater are alive and well in the current generation.
BTHOB