It was often the case that any speakers who came to campus were received in high anticipation by the community but with very poor attendance. Tonight’s speaker, best-selling author Amy Tan, spoke to a full audience tonight at Ed Landreth Auditorium.

It’s good that a speaker as well known as Amy Tan, author of “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Bonesetter’s Daughter,” received such a large welcome from the university community. Amy Tan gave a provocative and insightful speech about her inspirations and her writing. It was a speech deserving a large audience.

Chance are, however, that the big turnout Tan received is a rare occurrence. Last year, the community received criticism for its low football turnout. Two weeks ago Elena White, the granddaughter of a well-known gubernatorial candidate Bill White, had an embarrassingly small attendance of four. Of the approximate 8,000 students that attend the university, only four decided to attend an event that provided insight into the mind of a major Texas gubernatorial candidate.

Tonight’s grand audience was an uplifting sight. Hopefully, it’s not a one-time phenomenon.

Web editor Maricruz Salinas for the editorial board.