In many ways, the University College of Citizenship and Public Service (UCCPS) was the brainchild of John DiBiaggio. The former Tufts president worked to found the institution two years ago and has remained actively involved, including starting a class on leadership that he still teaches - that is, for another few months.
DiBiaggio, who resigned as president after the 2000-01 academic year but stayed at the UCCPS while his wife finished her degree at the Fletcher school, will formally leave Tufts at the end of this year. His plans do not include retirement, nor heading a fourth university. Instead, he's looking at opportunities within foundations or think tanks that would allow him to formulate policies and impact decision-making. Possible concentrations include K-12 education as well as health issues.
For now, there's a sense of melancholy surrounding the founder's separation from his project. The goal of that project, according to DiBiaggio, was to integrate opportunities for leadership and public service into the fabric of the University. Open to all students, the college sponsors a variety of courses aimed at public service and leadership as well as scholarships for students looking to make a difference in their communities.
"The thrust is to ensure that when you graduate, you have a commitment as a Tufts graduate to lead and address very critical problems that face society," DiBiaggio said.
DiBiaggio's class, "Leadership for Active Citizenship," co-taught with UCCPS Dean Robert Hollister, explores how leadership strategies and styles relate to active citizenship and community service. It has been popular since its inception two years ago, and some say it's an example of how students will be affected by DiBiaggio's upcoming departure.
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In the next five years, the UCCPS says it will develop a faculty Fellows program.
Hollister also hopes the UCCPS will continue to increase sponsored courses and internships.
"We want to expand opportunities for students and faculty to participate in long-term community partnerships - partnerships that address community needs and that
also enhance the learning of Tufts' students," says Hollister.
Though the UCCPS will bid farewell to its founder, the college has several projects planned for the coming years. And while DiBiaggio will no longer teach his class (but may guest lecture, according to Hollister), the course is intended to continue. Additional developments include a range of courses co-sponsored by the UCCPS, the new student journal "Impact," and sponsored summer internships. Students can also apply for Omidyar or Dutko scholarships, as well as participate in some of the UCCPS's community partnerships, which include the Mystic Watershed Collaborative, K-12 education projects, and studies of Chinatown relations.
