A special issue of Wagner College's student newspaper, The Wagnerian, honoring the 10th anniversary of President Richard Guarasci

1. Wagnerian
The
Raising awareness at Wagner College since 1934
Wagner College Friday, October 12, 2012 Staten Island, N.Y.
Celebrating
President
Guarasci
Photo by Lee Manchester
Located across from Harbor View Hall, the anchor is a Wagner icon. In August, orientation coordinators Chris DeFilippi and Allie Dufford and a team of
H
peer leaders painted a message to welcome the freshmen. President Guarasci paused at the anchor before welcoming the Class of 2016.
e has invented the Wagner Plan, in- Trustees on April 12, 2002, he officially some with a hug or a kiss on the cheek.
troduced programs for experiential took office seven weeks later. This issue, a special edition of the Wag-
learning and civic engagement, created the Dr. Guarasci is a friendly face around nerian student newspaper, pays tribute to
Port Richmond Partnership and expanded campus, chatting with students on the Wagner’s leader, scholar, mentor and friend
the Wagner College endowment. Union Terrace, waiting in line for his with anecdotes, photos and a timeline.
He is Louis Richard Guarasci, the 18th smoothie in the Hawk’s Nest, or just pass- We hope this Wagnerian will serve as a
president of Wagner College. ing by in the Main Dining Hall. keepsake marking this president’s decade
Elected unanimously by the Board of He greets everyone with a smile, and of service.
An interview A look back Praise from A slice of
with the at a decade students President
president of service and alums Guarasci’s life
PAGEs 2-3 PAGEs 4-5 PAGEs 6-7 PAGE 8

2. PAGE 2, The Wagnerian THE GUARAsCI DECADE Oct. 12, 2012
President Guarasci
looks over the East
River from Brooklyn,
where his father, Louis,
A president’s view
swam as a child.
Photo by Anna Mulé
Editor’s note: Five Wagnerian staffers — Bryan Grandison, become civic professionals who the kind of work they do because it ering spots, whiteboards every-
have a series of publics that have to is a very involved plan. where, [and] computers everywhere,
Alyssa Brown, Danielle Lucchese, Amanda Hastings and be served. so you can wander. Two, I want to
Caroline Mauduy — interviewed President Guarasci on What are your goals for Wagner be able to get the endowment to
Sept. 18 for this special issue. It was a wide-ranging What has been your biggest over the next 10 years? $100 million to make this an afford-
accomplishment at Wagner? able place. Tuitions are way too
conversation in his fourth-floor Union office. Here are some The goal is to get a new, major, high high, [as are] energy costs and tech-
excerpts from that interview. I’m very proud of the civic engage- tech academic building built. We nology costs. We need to get ready
ment and watching as students take need overall $40 million for that for tablets and project tablets onto
What are the most challenging the president’s job is that the provost it as their own and organize all the building across from Foundation screens and project screens onto
and rewarding parts of your job? job is teaching a course with a very EYH trips to Kenya and Bangladesh Hall. Classrooms are going to tablets. The last thing is really kind
exact syllabus [while] the president and expand the Wagner Plan to have evolve into problem-solving set- of renovating and upscaling the old
To me, the institution is about learn- is doing the same job without any broader, deeper international experi- tings. We’re going to use the class- buildings. Nobody ever did preven-
ing. There is lot of youth to learning, syllabus at all because it just comes ences. [The] goal is to get to 300 room time to use the Internet to tative maintenance [for the old
and the youth have vitality and at you. You have to move within a students abroad. [The study abroad engage the issues, to research in buildings]. We are moving into a
openness…they give me a lot of in- variety of issues within an hour, fig- program] went from 10 to 150. The class, and solve and discuss the different paradigm of learning.
spiration. The youth are interested in uring out what’s most important and other goal is making them afford- problems; link what we’re learning
getting somewhere in their lives. less important. You’re…[like] a cab able to students. Another thing is the to what other classes are learning What is the greatest gift you have
They don’t come here with a sense driver because you need to entertain enhancement of the campus. Build- globally. Business communications received from Wagner?
of entitlement. This experience strangers, take money and know ing Foundation, redoing Main Hall, Skyped with a class in Greece. As
means something to them. The where you’re going. getting more technology. I’m never the world becomes truly flat, I can I’ve been a very blessed person and
biggest challenge with students is satisfied because I see all these little see much more of linking classes to- I’ve had a lot of support from senior
getting the institution to focus on What is your focus at Wagner? things that need to be fixed. I am gether … calling the building “The staff and faculty; they have given
students and learning. They keep the happy because we are creating a Center for Global Learning” and me that gift. The honor is just work-
eye on the prize, and the prize is Creating a set of educational experi- good living and educational experi- have in it education, nursing, and ing here and being part of a commu-
learning. ences for students that are deep and ence. Went from $4 million to $70 business, and maybe a few other nity that’s so focused. I’ve been
broad and help them become cos- million endowment; we use this for programs in there. I want it [the blessed with a tremendous amount
What do you enjoy most about mopolitans and worldwide thinkers scholarships. [The school’s] reputa- building] to be [like] your experi- of support.
working with college students? and helping them become engaged tion has gone up in the [past] 10 ence in an Apple store or a Star-
citizens. [You are] using education years. [The] incoming freshman bucks with a lot of stations going Describe yourself as a college stu-
Students make the job worthwhile. I to make your world better; that is class has an average of 90. Fifteen on, linking out-of-class learning dent. What were you involved in?
enjoy problem solving. The differ- the whole purpose of education. The years ago, it was quite different. I with in-class learning. It has to be a
ence between my provost job and goal of all of it is that our students am very proud of the faculty doing building that has lots of in-hall gath- I was a juvenile delinquent as a high

3. Oct. 12, 2012 THE GUARAsCI DECADE The Wagnerian, PAGE 3
school student. I hated schooling, man playing Bach on the violin. It tein, yogurt, no fat, no sugar. I’m not
absolutely hated authority, but I was a delightful day. The epitome of too keen on their pizza; they’re
loved the feeling of learning and places to be is the River Café in working on it. Finally got the
discovering. [There was] no sense Brooklyn, next to the Brooklyn Dunkin’ Donuts downstairs, and got
of freedom of expression. When I Bridge. It looks right back at the the Starbucks to a point where I can
got to college, I was ready to go. I New York skyline on the water. You deal with it.
was a commuter at Fordham Uni- can almost touch the skyline. I take
versity. I lived in Brooklyn, so there people I care most about to the What are your favorite sports at
was a three-hour commute, so I did River Café and have a wonderful Wagner?
all my studying on the train. When I conversation. Good food, good
got to college, I fell in love with friends, good conversation. I love the basketball games, because
learning. I was an economics major, so many people come to them and
philosophy minor; I loved literature, What’s your favorite place on you have a small place with a lot of
couldn’t get enough of history. I had Staten Island for friends and noise. I love professional football
the freedom of the city. I spent all family? and it’s getting harder and harder to
my weekends in Manhattan: muse- watch. I used to love to go to a base-
ums, plays, movies, cafes. This city One is … Joe and Pat’s [pizzeria]. ball game, but now every profes-
is such a great place to learn and The best place for food, for a full sional sports event thinks they have
grow. I was the vice president of a dinner experience, is Bocelli’s on to blare music in between plays and
fraternity. My biggest contribution Hylan Boulevard. My favorite place I hate it. I used to love meeting new Photo by Bryan Grandison
was to take everybody’s money in to buy food is Pasticceria Bruno on people at the games. I don’t enjoy President Guarasci explains how he uses index cards to
cards. I went to Indiana University Forest Avenue. I grew up in an Ital- professional sports as much as I get through a busy day.
for a master’s and Ph.D. [They had ian family where Sunday dinners used to.
a] very active and big student gov- were sacred … lots of different per-
sonalities around the table, some Where do you and Mrs. Guarasci
ernment there. The budget then was
crazy, some loving. You get used to like to vacation?
$400,000 for student government …
40,000 students, three bus lines on dealing with a lot of personalities.
Right outside of San Francisco,
campus. I was the chief justice of called Cavallo Point [resort]. You
What’s your favorite food?
student court. We were very active have to go there. The Sunday
in setting up [the] daycare center Pizza. It’s the most popular food in brunch is informal, but elegant.
and working co-ops. the world; it’s a universal food and
my all-time favorite food. We could What does your daily schedule
How do you handle stress and go for an hour and a half on the food look like?
what do you do in your spare thing.
time? My schedule is on note cards:
What was your most embarrass- meeting with two professors who
I’m a big reader. I read six papers a ing moment in college? got a grant ... meeting students ...
day [including] the Financial Times, student town hall meeting. Issues
the New York Times, the Staten Is- I was taking summer courses at come along the way. Some days are
land Advance, the Wall Street Jour- Fordham’s downtown campus and I even longer, running well into the
nal, the San Francisco Chronicle was trying to take calculus and I evening. Last night I taught a class
and the Daily News to see what oth- would get a nice hero sandwich from 6 to 9. I don’t have one Photo by the Staten Island Advance
ers are thinking. I love music. I love after working hard all day. I’d grab evening free from now to Thanks-
opera and I love jazz and I like west this sandwich, jump on the subway, giving. I get energy from other The president and ex-NBA star Darryl Dawkins attend
coast or cool jazz, like Miles Davis get off in Lower Manhattan, and go people. “Madness Before Midnight” in October 2011.
and Jeff Baker. Those are de- to my class. I got to be friends with
stressers for me. To increase my one teacher. I said to him, “What’s
stress I watch the N.Y. Jets play your regular job?” and he said,
football and N.Y. Mets play base- “This is my regular job.” I thought
ball. I lock myself in the room, like because he was teaching at night, he
Wolfman. Carin and I watch a lot of had another job … I felt bad for
theater in Manhattan and we love to making him feel so small.
cook. I love cooking. When I was a
professor and my wife was a princi- Who is your role model?
pal, and our kids were little, every
sat night I’d make pizza. I love Chi- Oscar Hammerstein. Google him
nese food and I would cook and eat and read the words to any number
Chinese food for three weeks of his songs. “Carousel” deals with
straight. Cooking is a way I destress. domestic violence; he understood
I like literature as opposed to junk. I what it meant to live in a democracy
tend to read Irish feminist Ann En- and a democratic culture. It was
right. about diversity and inclusion and
celebration. He knew how to live,
What is number one on your and he knew how to die. I have his
bucket list? biography next to my bed.
I don’t have a bucket list — I should How do you get to know students?
probably get one, shouldn’t I? I al- Photo by Staten Island Advance
When I’m here, I tend to wander
ways wanted to go to spring training
in Florida. Baseball was big when I
into the dining hall or Hawk’s Nest, Michael Manzulli receives from President Guarasci the pair of golden scissors that were
was a kid. A few years ago, my son,
and my usual question is, “What used during the Foundation Hall ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 19, 2010.
three things do you like about Wag-
who lives in Milwaukee said, ‘Let’s
ner, and what three would you want
fly to West Palm Beach, and watch
to change?” I get a lot of my best
spring training.’ [During this trip]
ideas from students. People say
his luggage was sent to Delhi, India
“hello” to each other on campus,
so he didn’t have any clothes and
and people who come here are
he, like his mother, loves to shop
shocked by that. We really worked
and has to try every piece on. I’ve
hard creating a culture on campus of
talked to my family about going to
community. Good places are about
Alaska … and then I think we’ve
having a good vision on what you
talked a lot about renting a house for
want, having good food, and having
a full week in Tuscany, and having a
good humor.
wonderful time. The book I’m writ-
ing is now on my stress list. What’s your favorite meal in the
dining hall?
Describe your perfect day.
Taco Tuesdays. It comes and goes.
Perfect day? I had a perfect day
They addict you, and then they cut
Sunday. We went to the Boathouse
you off. I wanted to bring protein
on 72nd Street in Central Park. We
smoothies into the Hawk’s Nest, Photo by Bryan Grandison
had a perfect dinner and a long walk
using Greek yogurt so you can eat
in Central Park and saw about four The Wagnerian staff interviews President Guarasci in his Union office on Sept. 18.
these delicious smoothies with pro-
different free concerts. We saw a Pages by Samantha Knoerzer and Audriana Mekula

4. PAGE 4, The Wagnerian THE GUARAsCI DECADE Oct. 12, 2012
CALL HIM DR. TRUMP:
The world-famous business-
man receives an honorary
doctorate in 2004.
sPECIAL MOMENT: Carin Guarasci places the presiden-
tial seal around her husband’s neck during his 2003 inau- PROUD: Donald Trump
Decade of special moments
FRONT-PAGE NEWs: The Wagnerian features an article guration ceremony as trustee Robert O’Brien and the late displays his degree after the
on the college’s new president in an April 2002 issue. chaplain Lyle Guttu participate. ceremony.
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
The Board of Trustees Richard Guarasci Uber-entrepreneur The president accepts President Guarasci
unanimously elects becomes Wagner’s Donald Trump is the the Theodore M. welcomes former
Richard Guarasci as president at an inaugu- keynote speaker at the Hesburgh Award on NATO supreme
Wagner’s 18th presi- ration ceremony on commencement Feb. 14 from the commander and
dent on April 25. He April 12 in the Spiro ceremony on May 21. American Council on former presidential
served as provost and Sports Center. He He receieves an Education in recogni- candidate General
vice president for delivers his inaugural honorary doctorate tion of the Wagner Wesley Clark
academic affairs for address to a crowd of and tells graduates: Plan’s First-Year as commencement
five years before the about 500 people, and “Always give 100 Program. speaker.
appointment. is congratulated by percent effort. Be
many. disiplined. Study
and learn.”
HIsTORIC: The president,
staff and trustees ring the
2010 closing bell at the New
York Stock Exchange.
PROGREss: The president leads a groundbreaking PREsIDENTIAL: Bill Clinton
ceremony for Foundation Hall in 2008. At right is Staten ACCOLADEs: Former President Clinton recognizes Presi- with the Guarasci family and
Island Deputy Borough President Ed Burke ‘80.
dent Guarasci and the Port Richmond Partnership at the Congressman Michael
Photos courtesy of Lee Manchester Clinton Global Initiatives University program in 2009. McMahon in 2010.

5. Oct. 12, 2012 THE GUARAsCI DECADE The Wagnerian, PAGE 5
TRIBUTE: The Lyle Guttu
Memorial Garden is dedi-
cated in 2008.
RALLYING: The Guarascis
speak with Hillary Clinton
define Guarasci presidency
BIG APPLE MOMENT: Mayor Michael Bloomberg receives sTEADY sUPPORTERs: The Guarascis join Mike and during a congressional
an honorary doctorate at the 2005 commencement. Margaret Nicolais at Ellis Island in 2007. campaign rally in 2008.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Project Hospitality The president visits On March 18, the The Guarascis host a The president’s op-ed
recognizes the Guaras- Rochester, N.Y., president and commu- reception and presen- essay, “Aid to College
cis with the Les Traut- Wagner’s historic nity leaders officially tation on April 22 at Students Benefits Us
mann Memorial Award home, to dedicate a sign the Port Rich- their Grymes Hill All,” is published on
for Outstanding Contri- Founders Tree at mond Partnership. The home for SI350, the Aug. 25 in the Albany
bution to the People of the house of one program has since ex- year-long commemo- Times Union, the
Staten Island at the Har- of the college’s two panded to become a ration of the 350th daily newspaper of
vest Home Dinner on co-founders and lay unique part of Wagner anniversary of the New York’s state
Sept. 24. Other hon- a wreath on the grave and its experiential European settlement capital.
orees are Mayor of George Wagner. learning program. of Staten Island.
Bloomberg and Bishop
Patrick Ahern.
FOURsOME: Richard A.
Grasso, Donald Crooks,
Kenneth Langone and Pres-
ident Guarasci at Langone’s
speech in 2012.
sAFE AND sOUND: The
president oversees a cam-
INsPIRATIONAL: The Guarascis greet 2012 commence- pus evacuation as Hurricane
GLOBETROTTER: President Guarasci visits Oslo, Norway, ment speaker and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel. Irene strikes in August 2011.
in the summer of 2011 to address a Council of Europe con-
ference on civic engagement and the future of democracy. Reported by Alexandria Greco, Emily Rekstis and Alyssa Ahern

6. PAGE 6, The Wagnerian THE GUARAsCI DECADE Oct. 12, 2012
Students express their
“Dr. Guarasci is a true asset to Wagner College because he
analyzes this institution from all perspectives including students, alumni,
faculty, staff, and, most of all, the community. This year is my fourth
year being a part of the Student Government Association (SGA), where
I have witnessed Dr. Guarasci's consistent support toward student
suggestions and concerns. On behalf of SGA, I would like to congratulate
Dr. Guarasci for 10 incredible years as president and wish him the best
of luck in his future here at Wagner College.”
Gregory J. Balaes, sGA President
“Dr. Guarasci has a deep commitment to
Wagner and the community that can be
felt by everyone. He has been an important
mentor to me, exemplifying what leader.
As someone who is passionate about de-
veloping democratic and inclusive spaces,
Dr. Guarasci has been an important mentor
to me. He is much more than a president,
he is a person who is committed to a vision
of Wagner, to a vision of education, and to
a vision of community that holds promise
and opportunity for everyone.”
Kevin Ferreira stands on President
Guarasci’s left during a ceremony at
Gracie Mansion in July 2012. Kevin Ferreira, senior
“Out of all the institutions I
Chris DeFilippi with THE WAGNERIAN
have visited, I have never the Guarascis at the Special Edition
seen a president who is Peer Leader dessert
reception in August.
so involved in campus- Alyssa Brown
life. No matter if I see him
Co-Editor
Alexandria Greco
while I am walking to Co-Editor
class or at an Admissions Emily Rekstis
event, he always takes a Managing Editor
Bryan Grandison
moment to say ‘hello,’ dis- Head of Photography
cuss classes, and even Christina Rosso
thank me for what I do for Co-Copy Chief
Danielle Lucchese
the college. Dr. Guarasci Co-Copy Chief
is an asset to this institu- Stephanie Hinkes
tion. As I continue my Opinions Editor
Samantha Knoerzer
years at Wagner, I hope
to remain close with Dr.
Entertainment Editor
Audriana Mekula
Guarasci. He has inspired Sports Editor
me to bring great change
Prof. Claire Regan
to the campus community and he truly encouraged me to go above and beyond. I Faculty Adviser
can’t thank him enough for his kindness to me and his dedication to the institution.”
Chris DeFilippi, sGA senator Lee Manchester
Director of Media Relations

7. Oct. 12, 2012 THE GUARAsCI DECADE The Wagnerian, PAGE 7
admiration and praise
“President Guarasci always says ‘hi’
to me, and he always greets me by
name. I had class with him — Dar-
“President Guarasci has always been
win, Marx and Freud — and I really
a down-to-earth guy. He really takes
enjoyed what he contributed to the
an interest in what I do here on cam-
course. He’s very personable.”
pus and has always encouraged me
Jamie Macchia, senior to be a leader. I see him and his wife
as role models, and if there’s any time
I may need something or have a prob-
lem, I know I could go to him.”
“President Guarasci is a great man Josh Thompson, Grad student
and a wonderful leader. He always
makes me and my family feel at
home here at Wagner. His kindness
and compassion inspires me to work “President Guarasci has done a lot
hard and fills me with so much for Wagner, especially financially.
Wagner pride. These are qualities of So I have a lot of respect for him.
a great leader and we are lucky to I have friends who go to schools who
have one in Dr. Guarasci.” don't have the slightest clue who their
president is. It is a unique experience
Amanda Hastings, Junior being able to talk with him and see
him on campus a lot.”
Neal Fessler, senior
“He is very friendly toward
everyone. He always remembers
me and says ‘hi’ and asks “At the honors reception my freshman
how everything is. He is so year, he and I talked about
supportive of the theater and asks literature, like Hemingway and
how any shows I'm in are going.” Russian writers, for roughly 20
Bronwyn Whittle, Junior minutes. It was great and made me
feel welcome at the college.”
Zachary Weinsteiger, Junior
“He just has a wonderful presence. “President Guarasci was my profes-
I know from personal interactions sor for a government class my fresh-
that he is simply a kind person. He is man year. Ever since then, he always
a well spoken and educated man makes sure to say ‘hello’ to me when-
who has heart enough to contribute ever he sees me. It's cool how he al-
to small causes on campus.” ways remembers what activities I'm in
at Wagner and never fails to ask me
Emily stein, Class of 2012 how they are going. He makes me
feel like I'm not just a number.
President Guarasci shows how much
he genuinely cares about his students
and wants to make sure they are
“Both President Guarasci and his happy at Wagner. He really seems to
wife are very lovely individuals. love his job and that positive energy
When I went to their house last year, really makes students appreciate and
I felt like I was welcomed like him even more.”
with open arms.”
Emily sayre, Junior
Jeana shea, sophomore
Page by Misty Rosso and Stephanie Hinkes

8. PAGE 8, The Wagnerian THE GUARAsCI DECADE Oct. 12, 2012
1 2 3
4
Snapshots of a president
5 6
7
1. The Guarascis join alumnae for “Evita.”
2. President Guarasci with Karen Luchow at
Reunion 2007. 3. The president with his son,
Patrick, at Super Bowl 2012. 4. The president at
his favorite vacation spot, Cape Cod. 5. Support
for the Seahawks at one of the president’s favorite
events of the year, Homecoming. 6. Carin and
Richard Guarasci circa 1964. 7. The Guarascis on
8 a trip to London in March 2012. 8. The president
Page by Alyssa Brown walks his daughter, Bridget, down the aisle at her
and Bryan Grandison wedding on May 24, 2011.