Governor exercises his might in Dillon Gym

Most weekday mornings, New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey is not found in his Trenton office, but here on the University campus. The governor uses his privileges as an ex-officio trustee of the University to exercise daily in Dillon Gymnasium's Stephens Fitness Center.

The governor arrives at Dillon as part of a caravan that includes a Buick LeSabre and Chevrolet Suburban equipped with five different radio antennae. For security he is accompanied by two New Jersey State Police officers. McGreevey typically uses the same side entrance used by many students.

The governor first started using the University gym when he broke his leg in early 2002.

"At that time he was put on a special physical rehabilitation regime, and Princeton had the best equipment around," said Micah Rasmussen, the governor's press secretary. McGreevey has since continued that program because he recently had a pin —inserted as a result of the earlier injury — removed.

Associate Director of Public Safety Duncan Harrison said public safety is "in close contact with [McGreevey's] security detail." Public safety officers are not dispatched, however, unless the governor will be somewhere on campus other than Dillon.

"As far as the gym goes his people have that pretty much down pat," Harrison said.

The process of dropping off the governor is both methodical and fast-paced, an operation well-rehearsed by his staff and security. On most occasions, the Buick and Chevrolet race at high speeds onto the car-path adjacent to Little Hall and use its cul-de-sac to turn around, presumably so the vehicles are facing the best direction for a speedy getaway in case of an emergency.

The University is located conveniently for McGreevey because of its proximity to the New Jersey governor's estate Drumthwacket. Rasmussen said that aside from the ease of travel, McGreevey uses the University gym so he can "frequently interact with students." However, on Monday morning, one of the police officers protecting the governor told the 'Prince' that speaking to him without a prearranged appointment would not be possible.