universities and the mafia...

One of my professors mentioned last semester that the local broadsheet love to call university professors in Singapore "dons". I think my professor was more interested in the fact that "dons" are more associated to the mafia than with professors.

Anyway, here are the meanings of "don" –noun
1. (initial capital letter) Mr.; Sir: a Spanish title prefixed to a man's given name.
2. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a lord or gentleman.
3. (initial capital letter) an Italian title of address, esp. for a priest.
4. a person of great importance.
5. (in the English universities) a head, fellow, or tutor of a college.
6. (in the Mafia) a head of a family or syndicate.

Anyway, there is a slight trend that has risen regarding the people from NUS and NTU who infringe upon the law . In NUS, it's usually the students who make the news. In NTU, it's usually the professors who make the headlines.

If you have read today's Strait's Times, you'll find (Home section, Page H2) a tiny article that states that an NTU don has been charged for breaking the law. A/P Lee Wing Foon has been charged for stealing underwear.

Universities don't seem to be very safe anymore.