News
OVERSEERS
Meeting in Florence helps build a leadership role
For more than ten years Tufts has hosted two annual meetings of
its International Board of Overseers. Each fall the board meets
in the United States, and in the spring, overseas. Cities such as
Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, Athens, Madrid and London have provided
settings that are both accessible and blessed with resources for
engaging discussions and social events.
The most recent event took place in a city famous for its art and
architecture: Florence, Italy. On May 1-2, 75 overseers, trustees
and guests gathered to share ideas and learn more about Tufts. Nine
of the ten overseer boards were also represented.
The theme of the meeting--"Nutrition: A Prescription for Personal
Health and Global Well-Being"--highlighted Tufts' health science
schools.
Michael Sonnenreich, G90P, an overseer on the Medical/ Sackler
Board, assisted with these program events, sponsored by the Foundation
of Nutritional Advancement, of which Sonnenreich is president. The
meeting provided as well an opportunity to showcase Tufts' many
connections with Italy, including study abroad programs (27 students
last year).
A perspective of Renaissance Florence and the "New Europe"
by Provost and Senior Vice President Sol Gittleman was also well
received by overseers and trustees. President John DiBiaggio, addressing
a reception on April 30, thanked Countess Simonetta Brandolini d'Adda,
J75, president of "The Best of Italy," for her support
in organizing the event.
"Our effort to reach the International Board of Overseers
in or near the cities they live in has proved extremely successful
and enriching," said Senior Vice President Dr. Thomas W. Murnane,
A58, D62, K65, G68, J97P. "It's also a chance to broaden each
person's perspective of the entire university and the responsibility
we all have to Tufts beyond individual schools. "Meetings such
as these provide better communication and interaction between the
various boards," he added, "and information on academic
innovations is helpful to those who are interviewing prospective
students."
Tufts trustees and overseers play a vital role as ambassadors for
the university, helping to attract and recruit the best students
while opening or reinforcing networks, whether it be in the business
or the academic world. Overseer leadership also strengthens the
international program to better position Tufts on the global stage.
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