As the college continues to search for an ideal candidate to replace Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B. upon his retirement, there has been much talk amongst the students about the qualities they would like to see in the new president. After Father DeFelice’s contributions to this institution, the students recognize that the new president will have big shoes to fill.

There is a split between students who would like the president to be chosen from within or outside of the college. Some students, such as sophomore philosophy major Andrew Freeman, believe that it is best to pick someone that is familiar with the institution.

I believe it should be someone within the school. I think this because, well, someone new could know the Anselmian way, by being an Alum for example, yet hiring a teacher or someone within would mean that they are not only aware of the Anselmian way, but also the intricate works of the day to day of the college,” explains Freeman.

Other students feel as if an outsider would bring innovative ideas to the school, which would be a plus. Although Saint Anselm College is a wonderful institution in and of itself, many feel that it is falling behind in comparison with other schools.

“The school needs to make some changes in order to stay competitive,” comments senior criminal justice major Ryan Mazur.

Take, for example, Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts – one of Saint Anselm’s sister schools. As the times change, Stonehill continues to renovate the school to better accommodate its students. Per student request, Stonehill added a Dunkin Donuts and a Starbuck’s on campus. For those students that depend on caffeine to make it through the day, this accommodation saves them driving time.

With innovation, many Anselmians are hoping that they will also see the Anselmian Spirit that this school prides itself with. Unfortunately, there is a lack of motivation among the students to cheer on their fellow classmates at games. This can be seen at many of the Hawks’ games where the stands remain relatively empty.

As junior psychology major Jennifer Anton says, “I would like to see a president that will foster student involvement at the activities on campus.”

Each week, students receive an e-mail detailing all of the activities on campus. Although much is taking place, from sporting events to CAB events, the turnout is rather small. The students hope that this will change in the forthcoming years – which will be determined, in no small part, by the new administration.

While student bonding is important, they also would like to interact frequently with the president. Although they do recognize that the president is the figurehead of the institution, they want the individual to be approachable and involved with the students.

“They should interact with students from all backgrounds and majors on a regular basis so that they can have a good idea of what the student body is made up of,” says senior politics major/sociology minor Marko Samardzic.

Students believe that such a relationship will enable the school to better understand the needs of the student body, and how these change over time. Such communication will also benefit the students by informing them on the administration’s plans.

“I would like the president to be in greater favor of transparency in the administration, and hopefully that would transfer to our Student Government. I believe that has become a growing issue on our campus, and I hope to see a President lead by example in that regard, comments junior English major Jenn Murray.

With months remaining until the announcement of the new president of the college, students are waiting anxiously to see who has been selected.