Gates at Texas A&M Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates addresses the graduates and the audience during the commencement ceremony at Texas A&M University, Aug. 10, 2007. Gates served as president of the university before becoming the 22nd secretary of defense.   Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby Back To HomePage More Photo Essays Next About DefenseLink DoD Inspector General Freedom of Information Privacy & Security External Link Disclaimer Web Policy Contact Us USA.gov