After 32 years at Tufts, during which he oversaw the construction of major campus buildings including the Olin Center and Granoff Music Center, Vice President for Operations John Roberto has announced that he plans to retire.
Roberto told the Daily that during his time on the Hill he has sought to "provide an appropriate working environment that supports teaching and scholarship here at the university."
He has worked at the university since 1978, serving in several jobs before taking on the position of vice president for operations in 1991. His responsibilities include construction projects, campus maintenance and on−campus dining.
"It's hard to capture 32 years," he said in trying to sum up his work. "The most visible aspect of my job has been facilities, because you see the buildings every day."
He added, "It's been a privilege and an honor to work with such great families, friends and students here at Tufts."
Jeffrey Zabel, an economics professor and chair of the Campus Planning and Development Committee, has known Roberto for over a decade. He said that Roberto has had a sizable impact on development at Tufts.
"[Roberto] has had a large part in overseeing the development from an infrastructure standpoint on the Medford campus," Zabel said. The two worked together five years ago when Zabel oversaw the rendering of a "master plan" for the Medford/Somerville campus that examined how future expansion and construction on campus buildings might develop over the next 15 to 20 years.
Over the course of his tenure, Roberto directed the construction or renovation of a number of campus buildings. Zabel made particular note of the construction of the Olin Center and Granoff Music Center. More recently, Roberto has overseen the renovations to Packard Hall, completed over the summer; renovations to the Rez in the campus center; and the construction of the Trips Cabin alongside Tufts' Loj in New Hampshire.
Apart from his construction−related work, Roberto manages the general upkeep of buildings and the deferred maintenance program, which ensures the routine upkeep of university buildings. Roberto is in charge of activities on all three of Tufts' campuses.
Thanks to the scope of his duties, Roberto has been a large presence on campus, Zabel said. "He has a huge job and oversees an incredible amount of activities," Zabel said.
Finding a replacement for Roberto is proving challenging because his work spans so many different areas.
"We're in the process of filling his position and we're having a hard time finding the right person," Zabel said. "The job involves a lot of overseeing and capacities. It's hard to find a person to maintain all different aspects of the job."
Roberto has worked closely with the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate on several projects. TCU Vice President Antonella Scarano said his retirement will be a great loss.
"It's a shame we're losing him, but we all wish him luck on his retirement," she said. "He has been great to work with and is great with students."
Scarano has personally felt Roberto's impact on campus during her years on the TCU Senate. "I know him through the student side. He has always been really receptive to our projects," she said.
She recounted one instance in which Roberto proved particularly amenable to meeting student needs.
"I remember even a few years ago I noticed flyering was an issue on campus," Scarano said. "There was too much of it almost to a point where it wasn't aesthetic. A student on Senate told me to contact [Roberto] and he was immediately active about it, telling me who to contact."
Looking ahead, Roberto feels ready to enjoy retirement. "My immediate plans as I leave the university are to take a vacation with my family and relax in general," he said. "I have a number of projects at home that have been postponed since I haven't had time to do them."
