John DiBiaggio: Tufts' President emeritus

Currently president emeritus at Tufts University, John DiBiaggio served as the institution's eleventh president between August 1, 1992 and September 1, 2001. Prior to that appointment, he served as president of Michigan State University from 1985 to 1992, and as president of the University of Connecticut from 1979 to 1985.

   In addition, he has served as vice president for health affairs and executive director of the Medical Center at the University of Connecticut, as dean of the Dental School at Virginia Commonwealth University, and as assistant dean of the Dental School at the University of Kentucky.

   Dr. DiBiaggio chose to join Tufts University in 1992 because of its commitment to excellence in education, to the ethic and practice of public service and active citizenship, and to a global perspective that fosters solution-oriented scholarship and research.

   Among his achievements at Tufts is the establishment of the University College of Citizenship and Public Service, which integrates the theory and application of active citizenship in courses throughout Tufts' undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

   Within the college, he participated in the teaching of an annual course on leadership, which presented as guest lecturers leaders in business, volunteer agencies, and government. He also spearheaded the completion of a strategic plan for the university that set a course and vision for the beginning of the new century, positioning Tufts at the forefront of institutions of higher education.

   In 1994, under his leadership, the university launched the Tufts Tomorrow Campaign, with an original fundraising target of $400 million. In 1999, having met that goal, the campaign was extended to $600 million with a scheduled conclusion in 2002, the year of Tufts' sesquicentennial.

   The university's advancement under Dr. DiBiaggio's leadership is reflected in its increased selectivity, its expanded physical plant, and the impressive quality of its undergraduate, graduate and professional students and faculty.

   Dr. DiBiaggio has a legendary capacity for work and is considered by faculty, staff, and students to be extremely accessible. He has an open-door policy and is known for his warm and engaging personality.

   Dr. DiBiaggio holds three earned degrees and 12 honorary degrees, and has been recognized by numerous honorary societies. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards.

   As one who has held a lifelong commitment to volunteering, Dr. DiBiaggio has served as president of the board of the American Council on Education, as chairman of the National Campus Compact, on the boards of the American Film Institute, the NCAA Foundation, and the blue ribbon Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

   He is a member of the Commission on the International Exchange of Scholars, and serves on the Board of the American Cancer Society Foundation. His is also a director of the KAMAN Corporation and of the national American Automobile Association.

   Dr. DiBiaggio is married to the former Nancy Cronemiller, who is currently pursuing a master's degree at Tufts' Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He has three children, David, Dana, and Deirdre. His hobbies include antique cars, golf and tennis.

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