The Charge and the Challenge Tufts Presidents from Ballou to Kumar
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John A. DiBiaggio

President, 1992 – 2001

President DiBiaggio, undated

“He was a charming, outgoing, enormously friendly man. He was Tufts’ first professional president.”

– Sol Gittleman, “The Visionary Presidents on the Hill” For Tufts Now July 16, 2015

The DiBiaggio presidency started off with a bang, literally. His inauguration had a two cannon salute to celebrate the institution of this experienced academic leader, who had served as the president of the University of Connecticut and Michigan State University before coming to Tufts. DiBiaggio celebrated Tufts' international student body with flags decorating the Ellis Oval at his ceremony. His inauguration featured newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Donna Shalala, as a keynote speaker.

International flags at President DiBiaggio's inauguration, 1992
President John DiBiaggio reads to local elementary school students at Tisch Library during National Children’s Book Week, November 16, 1998

DiBiaggio left a legacy of active citizenship at Tufts by founding the University College of Citizenship and Public Service in 2000. His extraordinary fundraising efforts in the “Tufts Tomorrow” campaign raised over $600 million, tripling the University’s endowment, and establishing new facilities on all three of the Tufts campuses. DiBiaggio was a professional and warm president who connected with students and staff.