telling of our story. It is time for humility to humbly recede. There are so many good things happening today that we should shout them out for others to take notice,” Ron said in his inaugural speech on October 20. Ron believes his goals for Avila can only be achieved through strategic collaboration. While he may see himself as the catalyst for change, he knows that to reach the future he has envisioned for the University, he needs the community to act as a whole. He is modest about his role in the process and thinks the people of Avila are its strength. “If we are out shopping and Ron is wearing an Avila shirt, someone will ask him about it,” Suzanne says. “They ask about his connection to the University. He says, ‘I work there.’ He doesn’t say he’s president; Ron emphasizes the Avila stories, not that he is president. With Ron, the important messages are about the students, the faculty and the staff, not his position,” Suzanne said. Ron’s affability as a “regular guy” endears him with the students. He knows their success is critical to Avila’s future. Resolutely student-centered, Ron makes it a passion to understand their world. One way that he connects with the Millennials, the term used to describe those born after 1982, is through music. Ron listens to his iPod, the transistor radio of the 21st century, and has more than 3,500 songs on an external hard drive because he has downloaded from the Internet more than his iPod’s capacity. When forced to choose, his favorite song is “America” by Simon and Garfunkel. “Its sense of angst captured much of the feelings of uncertainty during the late 60s, early 70s,” Ron offers as way of an explanation. He is less specific when selecting a favorite musical group. “There is just so much great music from all eras and types that it is really hard to limit myself to a favorite group. At different times, different music strikes me,” he said. “When I listen, I like to savor the music, the instrumentation, the vocalization, the phrasing, and the mix.” He shares his music choices with the rest of the family, sometimes with mixed reviews. “I just listen to whatever Ron puts on my iPod,” said Suzanne, but Molly likes most of her dad’s song choices, “Sometimes the songs are weird,” she says with Andrew nodding in agreement, “but he listens to cool stuff, too.” (See Ron’s favorite artists in box.) In addition to toting his iPod, Ron also carries a Blackberry – not the fruit – but the phone/personal communication device that keeps him connected to everyone, all of the time, through instant access e-mail and phone calls. He has even been known to check his e-mail while sitting in his car at a red light. No moment is wasted when there are good works left to be done. Those fortunate enough to have met president number thirteen know that “lucky” does not describe the man whose plans for Avila University require bold actions and collaborative strategic planning. They know that Avila’s future is bright and promising with Ron blazing the trail. Avila is lucky, indeed.
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Suzanne Slepitza W
hen Ron Slepitza became the new president, Avila was blessed with a vivacious and outspoken advocate for the University in his wife, Suzanne. Eager to engage the community, Suzanne does not stand idle behind her man, choosing instead to support him by opening her home, and heart, to students, faculty, staff, and alumni, all for the good of the University. As soon as they get settled in their new house, Suzanne intends to open their home for community functions and hosting alumni and donor receptions. “I enjoy the enthusiasm and environment of Avila and want to help increase its exposure in the Kansas City community, as well as in the region at large,” Suzanne said. “I want to help make Avila more visible and engage people in dialogue about the University.” Above: Lily, the Slepitza’s goldendoodle, proudly wears purple at Avila’s Homecoming while playing catch with Suzanne and Ron.