Volume 5, Issue 2 © Metropress September 1, 1982
"' Positive Vibratioris page 8
111
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Fontera-Jiopes for -communication'· [J
by Randy Golkin
Dr. Richard Fontera is the third MSC president in five years and he hopes to end the era of musical chairs by executing long term objectives and staying to see them work effectively. Fontera is committed to improving the institution, which he feels can be accomplished by clearing the channels of communication within MSC and sharpe11ing the school's image in the community. "It (MSC) needs to sharpen it's image, ~ needs to stand for something,"
Dr. Richard Fontera
Fontera said. "The people both internally and externally should realize the values that are here." "When the next president arrives in 2070 or whenever it may be, I want him to be able to say this place has an open communication system," Fontera added. Unlike some of MSC's former leaders, Fontera believes honesty and openness will create an "open communication system" at MSC. He despises people speaking behind each others' backs or filing formal complaints with the absence of key ~ames, As the new leader of MSC, Fontera has already introduced himself to many of the faculty, who were stunned to see the president walk into their offices. He intends to be accessible to all and promised to never say "no comment" when being interviewed. On the other hand, Fofltera is a very busy man and won't be able to speak to every student; professor or administrator-who has a problem. He expects MSC people to learn which channels to go through to solve a discrepancy. "I don't want people to think the new president is so accessible that they come to the new president with every little problem," said Fontera. "I want to see to it that they talk to someone who's job it is. "I perceive it to be my job to inform people in the system of their rights; people must know their obligations," he ad-
ded. "There is a real gap between teachers and administrators who are wondering who the students are," Fontera explained. "We have such a large_number of students besides just young typical students from high school. "I happen to believe," Fontera continued, "a 19-year-old has trouble communicating with a 39-year-old because they are their parent's age, but they have less trouble communicating with senior citizens. · "We need a more relaxed atmosphere so students can communicate with each other better," he added. Since such a wide variety of students attend MSC, Fontera believes the school should sponsor more family-oriented events. Activities, like sports gatherings, would bring students, staff and faculty closer and at the same time improve MSC's visibility· by attracting outsiders to the campus. MSC has competitive volleyball, basketball and baseball plus other teams and as more students get involved with these activities, they'll bring more family and friends to come and watch them. Also, if the teams improve, the winning spirit may sprinkle through the campus. Fontera also suggested holding concerts and picnics that would accommodate all ages. Since the Denver Center for the Performing Arts; .located directly across from the campus on Speer Boulevard, is willing to work with MSC in building a relationship, the
possibilities for such events seem very good. On a more serious note, Fontera said more students should get involved with the MSC Alumni, lobby at the state legislature and perhaps raise money for the school. "There are about 14,000 MSC graduates living within the greater metropolitan area of Denver," Fontera said. "If we could bring them together-the legislature can't ignore 14,000 voters." Fontera will hold regular meetings with student and faculty leaders to start getting some of these social and political events planned. He has already spent time with stude~ts during the MSC orientations last week, and on Tuesday Fontera addressed MSC's faculty and staff. One of the reasons Fontera obtained the president's position was because of his experience with mergers. On the issue of UCD merging with MSC and eventually absorbing it, Fontera doesn't see this happening. In his own words: "Someone has in their mind that MSC is a sardine and UCD is a whale that will eat the sardine," said Fontera. "Nobody will swallow this sardine-as long as it's doing a good job." Fontera feels if MSC performs the community services it should and can obtafn an image in Denver, the people won t allow a merger.