How much has this year differed from the past years as Interim President of St. John Fisher College?

“When I was appointed Interim President in September, 2004, I was faced with the choice of being a caretaker president who simply kept his hand on the helm or of moving ahead with an agenda aimed at accelerating the momentum of the College’s development. I chose the latter course and have pursued that purpose ever since. In that regard, my attitude towards the job remains determined and optimistic while the scope of my responsibilities has increased geometrically. It has been a total and absolute full throttle all the way.”

 What goals did you set for yourself, your colleagues, the school and the Fisher community from last year to present day?

“Having served many years as a professor, I was determined to make academic enrichment my first priority. This included directing as many resources as possible into classroom and laboratory instruction that supported faculty teaching and student learning. In the course of the last three years, we have experienced tremendous success in meeting those standards of academic excellence required in the College-wide Middle States review, NCATE accreditation in our School of Education, in addition to assessments in our schools of Nursing, Pharmacy and Business. I am especially pleased for the pride and sense of great achievement that faculty in these areas have for the success they have earned.
“We have a strong commitment to diversity at the College and although there is much yet to be done, I am pleased with the progress we are making in reaching out to underrepresented populations and enhancing our campus culture of tolerance and inclusion.
“Athletics, especially on the competitive level of Division III, has been spectacular and we can all take great pride in the accomplishments of the men’s and women’s sports teams and their coaches for tremendous success during the past year. It adds considerably to the espirit de corps of the campus to have these teams represent the values of the institution.
“I was particularly determined to maintain close contact with students. The stimulating and rewarding results of vibrant young minds that I encountered during my years as a professor are dearly missed but I have found much delight in working with student groups and interacting with student leadership through participation in a variety of venues including the President’s Student Advisor Board.”

What is a typical work day like?

“One of the most compelling parts of my work in the incredible variety of people and circumstances I encounter. There really is no typical workday. I spend a lot of time raising money. For example, about four weeks ago, I was in Palm Beach, Fla., meeting Fisher grads at an alumni gathering. Three weeks ago, I was in Naples, Fla. for a Board of Trustees retreat and included in that trip meetings with College alumni living in the area. Two weeks ago, I flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with Congressional representatives on Capitol Hill to urge support for a transportation bill appropriation that would help us finish constructing the loop road around the campus. And last week, I visited the George Alden Foundation Trust in Boston seeking financial support for technology upgrades and a Mac lab.
“When in my office, I typically have scheduled meetings with academic and staff personnel, student representatives, business leaders, and a wide variety of Rochester area educational representatives. I am on the board of several organizations, and during the week, typically attend meetings of these groups. Evenings are often taken with official dinners in the community where my wife and I represent the College, or attendance at a campus student event. Weekends find us at College sports games, perhaps an Admissions open house, community tributes, banquets and dinners and Mass at Coleman Chapel on Sunday.
“I find the pace of life as president exhilarating and enjoy tremendously the challenge of the job. What adds a great deal of depth to my day are the terrific people with whom I work. I am truly blessed to have highly talented colleagues who help make life interesting, productive and often very humorous.”

What do you do to relax, have fun?

“I read a lot. I don’t have time to read everything I would like to but I try to mix professional journals with novels, biographies and ancient classics.
“The action of my daily routine I find very exciting, but I also find a pleasant compliment in those rare weekends when my wife and I can spend time at our family farm. Here I can truly relax and enjoy the quiet of rural life, visit with friends and relatives, putter with a tractor, cut brush, mend fences and talk about hay and horses and apples. It provides a refreshing physical contrast to my life as president and is a great tonic for keeping me grounded in those fundamentals that make life real and substantive. It helps me settle my priorities. It clears my mind.”

Who was your role model growing up?

“My father. He was an icon of the Greatest Generation. A man of quiet sturdiness and discipline, he was built by the same firm that did Stonehenge. He possessed all of the old virtues and lived a life of unswerving honesty and decency and diligence. He was the best man I ever knew.”

What advice do you have for the class of 2007?
“Become the architects of your own destiny. Work hard and sincerely to match your talents with your passions.

“Be kind. Be honest. Be bold.”