Dear Father Biondi,

As the students of Saint Louis University consider what we want in a U.S. president, we can’t help but consider what we want in a university president.

After your October monthly message, we’re starting to wonder what your platform is, what priorities you hold.

Just as the current economy challenges Wall Street, it challenges SLU. You made that clear in your October message.

Domestic enrollment is down, budgets are tight and you want as many future freshmen as possible to fill SLU’s coffers and dormitories.

In fact, you call for SLU students to put on a smile and band together to develop a “Culture of Recruitment,” in order to “reach our common vision of becoming the finest Catholic university in the United States.”

There’s something missing from this train of thought.

Where are the criteria for this success? How are we supposed to be the finest? World events have made it clear how important it is define objecives before embarking on a mission.

Do you remember when this year’s seniors were freshmen? At that time, you said that SLU would be the best Catholic university in the nation by 2012.

Well, by the time this year’s freshmen are seniors it will be 2012. This deadline is fast approaching.

It would be far-fetched to call SLU the best Catholic university in the nation this year-after all, we just lost our place as one of the top five Catholic universities in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Let’s have a clear plan from you. How will you lead us toward this lofty yet ambiguous goal? Because now, you’re expecting the sheep to be the shepherds.

You’re asking us to put on our smiles and be gentle to potential freshmen and their parents and encourage them to come to SLU next year.

Such kindness isn’t too much to ask.

However, as you ask us to pay special attention to potential Martin Luther King and presidential scholars, you skipped your appearance two-hour reception with current presidential scholars this month (one set up specifically to introduce you to them), held just feet from your house, in favor of other social obligations.

We hope you feel that leadership requires one to follow the same standards one expects of others.

The challenge-in setting standards, one risks failure, risks hypocrisy. Your ambition for SLU is exciting, but it must be supported by action. If this is your standard then you must set the example.

So, Father, please set a good example. Care for the students who are already here. Take a page out of your new marketing campaign and “Be a Billiken.”

Show your face around campus. Take a stroll with your dogs down West Pine Mall. You’re a busy man, but not too busy for what’s important-students.

Yours,
The Editorial Board