As our president, it is natural for us to look up to Dr. DiSalvo, but last week many Anselmians were literally looking up at him as he zoomed three hundred feet across the quad. Dr. DiSalvo and Dr. Horton shrugged off their suit jackets, loosened their ties, rolled up the sleeves of their dress shirts, and calmly waited as they were strapped into a harness that would send them soaring above the grass. Dr. DiSalvo led the way to the top of the stairs so they could be hooked onto the line. Students waited patiently, the excitement building as they gathered around. People stopped setting up for the club fair to watch. With a smile, the two men took off. President DiSalvo saluted and waved at the crowd of students watching below as Dr. Horton videotaped the whole adventure.

Dr. DiSalvo often leads the way for students and provides us with a good example. But it was unexpected to watch him join the crowd of eager students ready to take their turn and lead the way on a zip line. Most college presidents would never even think to do that. They might approve of the zip line, but they certainly would not be seen going on it. It is likely that they would be in their office going over the budget or having an important meeting instead. DiSalvo shows us how to balance both work and fun. Not only does he make sure the college is running smoothly every single day, but he attends and participates in student activities like he did during the club fair.

When I imagined going to college, I never thought I would see the president in a suit going across a zip line. I thought he would be a distant figure who I saw only twice: move-in day and graduation. But despite his incredibly busy schedule, DiSalvo takes time to mingle among the students. He can be seen going to activities all across campus or eating in Davison. His friendly presence only increases the feeling of community I feel whenever I am here at school. Dr. DiSalvo is not just the name of some important figure I hear of or receive a standard email from every so often. He is someone who helps the football team move freshmen in. He is someone who sits down with students and asks about what they want to see on campus. He is someone who can be seen around campus and not just behind his office door.

College can be a stressful time. There are quizzes, exams and finals. There are hours and hours of homework. There are the constant time management battles. But it’s OK to relax once in awhile. It’s OK to leave our comfort zones. It’s OK to leave life’s worries behind at times. Our president showed us that. I doubt students at large universities even know what their president looks like. I am sure most of them find out when they receive their diplomas. But here at Saint Anselm, we can always brag about a fun leader who is always up for a challenge.