JCU Honors Professor Susan Fuller at Alumni Reunion Night

Professor Susan Fuller

Professor Susan Fuller

John Cabot University honored professor Susan Fuller on November 4th, on the occasion of her retirement as full-time faculty member and Chair of the Department of Business Administration. The surprise celebration took place during the 2011 JCU Alumni Reunion, which saw alumni, administrators, faculty, staff, and current students fill the Tiber Cafe.

JCU President Franco Pavoncello gave an impassioned speech, saying how “No one embodies the spirit of John Cabot University better than Professor Susan Fuller, who throughout her 25 years at JCU has always distinguished herself by her complete dedication to her students and to the University.” Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Mary Merva also spoke with great affection of her long-standing professional and personal relationship with Professor Fuller.

Silvia Carnini Pulino of the Department of Business Administration spoke powerfully about Professor Fuller’s dedication to academia and the admiration that she has inspired in both her colleagues and students. “Anyone who has spent five minutes with Susan Fuller knows that her students come first, second and third with her, forever,” said Prof. Pulino.

Professor Pulino presented Professor Fuller with a book that she edited entitled The Fuller Way, a compilation of pictures, fond memories, and good wishes contributed by the JCU community. The book also came with a box of tissues, which Prof. Fuller found to be most useful!

Professor Fuller attended the reception completely unaware that she was to be the guest of honor. Even after the President started praising her contribution to JCU, she tried to avoid the spotlight, much to the amusement of the audience. She was convinced, however, to take her place next to President Pavoncello and listened to his, Professor Pulino’s and Vice President Merva’s speeches. True to her selfless nature, she expressed her gratitude with her tears and two simple words, “Thank you.”

Since 1987, Professor Susan Fuller has been an active and integral member of the JCU community. She is associate professor and Chair of the Department of Business Administration, as well as Frohring Library Supervisor, and Director of the For-Credit Internship Program. She has also served as a management consultant for several international organizations including the Ford Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Health Organization, USAID, and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN in Rome.

Fortunately for JCU, Professor Fuller will continue to teach classes for us!