<p>Mike Yates asks in another thread and for another reason what the email address of Bro. Norman is. It is easily found on the SVC site. Currently it is</p> <p><a href="mailto:norman.hipps@email.stvincent.edu">norman.hipps@email.stvincent.edu</a></p> <p>Though Brother Norman would have little say in rectifiying the gross injustice done to Father Mark Gruber, he does have a say in repairing the damage and cleaning up the slop left by the Towey Debacle, and that includes the gross demonstration of nepotism re the hiring of Eddy DejThai and the nurturing of the Towey erstwhile Chief of Staff, Dennis Grace (among other matters)</p> <p>But making instant demands on the new president would be counter productive, but one should expect him to take action somewhat sooner than much later.</p> <p>The items mentioned are guaranteed to fester like unlanced boils, and that is not going to promote and restoration institutional health or trust in it.</p>
<p>THe Great Restoration will need to the be personal action of Bro Norman, it seems to me. The Great Restoration cannot and must not be delegated, to others to carry out, especially the "others" who were Towey cronies. If such were at one time content to wield the hatchet for Towey, there's not reason to trust any about face they might be encouraged to effect. There's lame ducks, and then there's "what the hell are they still doing here."</p> <p>As things move ahead, it would restore the confidence of many alumni if Jim Bendel were to be invited back to do for the college what he has always done before he was marginalized by H. James Towey.</p> <p> </p>
Speaking of restoring confidence, lets see if Norman puts his friendship aside with Coach Harris and does the right thing over in Athletics. He would make an important and necessary statement by removing Harris. The coaches, athletes and students and alums have been waiting. Towey passed the buck to Fr Paul Taylor on Harris (we all remember that comment he made during his Q and A with the students when questioned about Harris' lack of credentials) and nothing was done. Harris still has not shown proof of a college degree and is still working in Institutional Advancement. Perhaps Bendel could teach him a thing or two about ethics in fundraising?
<p>There will be internal and external pressure(s) on Br. Norman Hipps, whether he likes it or not. He can choose to deal with them throughout the next year and put the college on the correct track once again. Br Norman is loyal to the Abbot, as this character makes it difficult for Norman to define his own leadership. If he ignores the pressures, then the "revolving door" begins again and the college is stuck with a few less than qualified Towey sycophants still running around with six figure salaries trying to find their asses from a hole in the ground. The VPAA also lacks credibility and those pressures will affect him as well. The Towey supporters are critical of this website, but fail to address the issues that posters present here. They "shoot the messenger" and ignore the message. That method is doomed for failure. They claim that "anonymous critics" do not have value. If it were not for this website, Towey would continue to be running SVC into the ground.</p> <p>It is likely that HJT engaged the college with two contract extensions for the CIO and the "new" VP of Enrollement-Marketing" through June 2011. <u><strong>The TRUST factor will NEVER be restored for faculty/staff/alumni</strong></u> until there are competent, credible people in those postitions or the positions are eliminated altogether. Eliminating the jobs would be the safest bet, since that would free up $300,000+ dollars for critical areas that need funded. If you doubt that salary figure, check out the free/public IRS 990 forms available on Guidestar.com. Their salaries, plus healthcare, retirement fund, etc... It is well over $300,000. Br Norman is a smart man and a math professor and he can surely add up those zeroes!!!</p> <p>Time will tell and correct actions, not words, will set the tone of the college and define Br Norman's leadership. Let's pray that he sees the truth through the "Towey fog" left behind.... Give Br Norman the support he needs and we can assess him six months to a year from now. I throw my support behind him until he proves otherwise.</p>
<p>svcstudent, I was wondering the same thing when Norman was announced as the next prez. I don't suspect that situation will change because Towey left, but how long can they look past the degree question? Plus, he really isn't even a good coach and he can't keep players on the team for an entire season let alone four years. He proved that last season time and time again. They will most likely not improve much in the '10-'11 season, so maybe he'll go away on his own or they will start to feel some pressure.</p> <p>As for that 300K+ number, svcalum, it is mind-boggling. Hopefully they will leave on their own very soon. If not, the admin better do the right thing. Remember the mantra when Towey took over and people were either running off the ship or being thrown overboard: "Well, with every new administration there is turnover. New presidents always bring in their own people." Well, let's see some turnover. Giddyup!</p>
<p>Why, land sakes alive and tarnation Roy, if that don't beat all. "Giddyup" Is goldurned right, yer dern tootin'</p> <p>And for 2009 and 2010 300k just might be a bit on the light side.</p>