President to president in a financial crisis

By Editorial

January 20, 2009 will forever be marked as a historic day, the inauguration of the first black president of the United States.

Santa Clara will celebrate the inauguration of its own president, Michael Engh, S.J., in April. Meanwhile, he already must grapple with the issues he has inherited with the job.

Just as President-elect Barack Obama marks a stark change in leadership for the country, Engh represents a new era for Santa Clara. He will be stepping into the shoes of Paul Locatelli, S.J., who was president of the university for 20 years.

Though on different scales, both leaders must prove themselves quickly as they come into their respective roles facing this economic crisis.

As Obama deals with bailouts, Engh will be doling out financial aid and considering what budget cuts should be made to sustain the dwindling endowment.

Obama will be well advised with national security in the hands of two competent, conscientious and compassionate Santa Clara alumni.

Leon Panetta and Janet Napolitano prove that students leave Santa Clara well equipped to run a country, which can only add value to each of our diplomas.

With a Jesuit background, perhaps these leaders will stray from the immoral abuses of rights President George W. Bush's administration applied so often.

As these alumni prove themselves valuable members of the Obama administration, Engh must work to ensure current students continue to receive this beneficial education.

In this crucial time, it is important to keep the university's mission in mind and ensure that financial troubles are not affecting the level of education, experiences and opportunities to which students are exposed.

A careful assessment of the budget should start with unnecessary programs and expansion projects.

If students cannot afford to attend the university, and if we cannot afford to sustain an educational program of quality, then we should not be worrying about expanding. If there are no students, no one will be here to enjoy the new high tech buildings and vast expanses of freshly-planted flowers.

Finances should be targeted at keeping those students most affected by the crisis in school and allowing future underprivileged students the financial ability to fulfill their academic potential.

During this unstable transitional period, we hope these two leaders consider the severity of their decisions as well as those whom their actions impact most.