Sacred Heart University - Prologue Yearbook (Fairfield, CT)

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Sacred Heart University is being directed into its second decade by an energetic and innovative educator. Here are some of his responses to questions regarding his presidential involvement with S.H.U. i Q. What were your first impressions of the University? A. SHU impressed me as an exciting, friendly college - in the forefront of the changes which were creating the new type of American Catholic University. What were your reasons for accepting the presidential position? I saw in the SHU Presidency an opportunity to be a part of a truly important educational com- munity - and to influence its direction and development. Q. You have done much to make yourself accessible to students. Quite often college students never see their president. Why do you think it is important that a college president maintain open channels of communication with the students? A I need to know and understand our students - their special qualities and problems - and I ad- mit I thoroughly enjoy personal contact with SHU students. Q Kingman Brewster, the Yale president, has been attacked by the news media and alumni organiza- tions for publicly expounding his personal political philosophy. We have recently heard you quoted by the news media also. Do you feel that a college president has the option to express himself on political issues insofar as he is the chief representative of that institution? A The President has an obligation to speak out when political issues or public policies affect welfare of higher education - would be remiss if I remained silent. Q At this point in history, President Nixon commands as much as any president since F DR. By crit- icizing his policies CNixonomicsJ are you at all concerned with the possibility of alienating your- self and the university from the Nsilent Majority?,' A Whether the position I advocate is popular or not - determines how much effort is needed to achieve approval. Not everything the President or Governor recommends is necessarily good for higher education or our students. Q. There has been talk in the Congress in the past few years of putting a maximum age limit on senators and congressmen. This action would hopefully bring about new ideas. Do you feel that similar policies should be used in college administrators, terms? A. I advocate definite specific terms for college presidents and have requested our Trustees to pro- vide for regular evaluation of my stewardship - with open question of whether I should be re- newed. Q. What do you see as the role of the students in the running of a college in specific areas such as planning courses and choosing of their administrators? A. Students have special competence in evaluation of faculty effectiveness and administrationis competence. Senate and committees encourage input from students as well as personal direct contact with the President. Q. In retrospect, how would you say the University has fulfilled its original goals in its first ten years? A. The first ten years is a remarkable success story in American higher education - well ahead of schedule - the outlook is bright. Q. What prospective programs or policies would you like to see implemented at SHU in the next ten years? A. Recapture innovative spirit which prompted founding, greater emphasis on career preparation aimed at community needsg improve financial baseg and generate genuine spirit of joy and love throughout the University community. Q. A. 7