Seton Hall University - Galleon Yearbook (South Orange, NJ)

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Alumnus named 15th Robert T. Conley University President Having had more than 20 years of experience in the field of higher edu- cation, Dr. Robert T. Conley was named 15th President of Seton Hall University, the first layman in the school’s 121-year history. The 45- year-old organic chemist with a Ph.D. from Princeton University is an alum- nus of Seton Hall and taught in the Chemistry Department from 1961- 1967. After leaving Seton Hall in 1967, Conley went to Wright State Univer- sity in Ohio and served as Chairman of the Chemistry Department, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, and since 1974 Vice President and Di- rector of Planing and Development. Conley is “enthusiastically happy about returning to the Hall,’’ a school that he feels is “steeped in tradition, which is vital to a healthy University.’’ He thinks that being an alumnus will be helpful in maintaining the tradi- tions of the institution. “They were important to me as a student,’’ he re- marked, “and a significant part of the educational experience I took away. “Our goal is to offer a high quality education in the context of a Catholic University. That’s why students come here,’’ he said. “There are no ‘walk- ons’ — students come here because of the kind of institution it is,’’ the new president added. Although his four year term did not officially begin until August 15, 1977, Conley visited the South Orange cam- pus almost weekly after his appoint- ment. “I’ve spent time trying to discover the perceptions, impressions and ex- pectations of the students, faculty and administrators for their University.’’ he related. He also went to work immedi- ately on some of the college’s most Left: Dr. Robert T. Conley listens to a faculty member’s question at one of his initial meetings with members of the University community. Opposite page: The new president, a noted or- ganic chemist, reflects on his new position. Skil- led in financial affairs, one of his first priorities is improved fund-raising. 22 Academics

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ACADEMICS Alumnus Robert T. Conley named University President by Lucille Del Tufo, Photos by Tom Ludington “What’s It All About?” Five University administrators reflect upon their jobs and offer opinions on Academics, Student Life, and Admissions at Seton Hall by Patrick McGovern, Michael Perillo, Cheryl Beardsley, Anthony Willet and Mark Wodzisz University registrar Marie Fitzsimmons retires by Cathy Lunz Career Days highlighted by professional advice by Bill Grau Debaters talk their way to successful season by Karen Yaremko Education and Business Schools celebrate 25 years by Patrick McGovern Senate endorses Computer Science, Criminal Justice degrees . . . by Kevin Davis Students intern at Cable TV Station by Carol Schepige Art internship prepares student for career by Beth Heutele Extracurricular activities keep student nurses busy by Karen Yaremko Social Work degree becomes a reality by Judy Pecoraro and Maria Spagnoletti 22 25 37 39 40 43 45 46 48 51 52 Academics 21

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“Suggestions for improvement from alumni are vital, and their counsel and support are needed as well.” pressing problems. After a series of meetings, faculty negotiations were settled. The varsity football program, which had been eliminated a few weeks earlier, was reinstated after care- ful consideration. The rising tuition problem is another one that concerns Conley. “I’m not sure what can be done, but I’m going to try to do something, ” he said. “We’re reaching the point where we may be losing good students because the tuition bill is beyond their means. We have to develop new financial re- sources,” he commented and added that Seton Hall’s fund raising activity needs to be improved. In this area, Conley’s familiarity with financial affairs will be most helpful. He has established a reputa- tion as an expert in attracting federal and state grants, and donations from alumni and individual foundations. In — Dr. Robert T. Conley addition he has valuable experience in working with legislators and state agencies. Considering his plans for the fu- ture of Seton Hall, he anticipates no administrative changes at the present time. “For practical reasons, no drama- tic changes will take place for quite a while,” Conley noted. “I want to take a substantial amount of time to analyze the situation. I plan to talk to members of the University community in depth first,” he added. Conley also intends to open up t he administration and establish better communication on campus. “Students will know better why we do what we do,” he said. “Budget priorities, for example, should be explained to all involved. “You can expect me to meet with student groups on a regular basis in an open forum,” he revealed and added, “A lot of people feel they don’t get straight answers unless they come from the president.” In the same way, Conley hopes to have a more active Alumni Office and greater participation of graduates. “We will be interested in their reaction to their preparation at Seton Hall,” he explained. “We’d also like to know more about their successes.” Conley is committed to maintain and improve the quality of education at Seton Hall and personally feels that alumni participation is essential in reaching that goal. “Suggestions for improvement are vital and their counsel and support are needed as well. Perhaps we haven’t asked for their help in that way be- fore,” he suggested, “but as we con- tinue, the changes in higher education will be so significant that it will be important for us to seek their guid- ance.” The new president also hopes that recent graduates will not hesitate to re- turn and utilize the services of the University Placement Office and the Counseling Center. “We are interested in providing continuing assistance for our alumni,” he said. To keep in personal contact with ac- ademics, Conley hopes to teach at least on a limited scale. “I consider it im- portant for an administrator not to lose his sensitivity with the students in the classroom,” he remarked. He is regarded as an international authority in his field of polymer chem- istry and infra-red spectroscopy. The author of numerous scientific articles as well as five books, his sixth. “The Basis, of Organic Chemistry: A Short Treatment” is scheduled for publica- tion in 1979. He has given lectures and presentations at conferences through- out the country. In addition, he has long been a member of various profes- sional organizations and is active in community affairs. A man of immense energy and a good sense of humor, Conley is confi- dent that he will succeed. He seems to have a healthy perspective. He looks back on the past 24 years and reflects “it’s been fun.” • Academics 23