What I Learned: President's Council Co-Chairs

President Anthony P. Monaco founded the President’s Council in 2016 to gain a broader perspective on issues affecting Tufts and higher education. Alumni, parents, and friends from diverse backgrounds learn about university programs and provide feedback through their membership, often becoming some of Tufts’ strongest advocates and ambassadors. Below, the founding co-chairs of the President's Council—Rebecca Neary, J87, A22P, and Jim Neary, A87, A22P, and Lori Samuels, J81, A22P, and Ted Samuels, A22P—share their reflections on being part of strategic planning and decision-making for the university.

Rebecca and Jim Neary

Co-chairing the President's Council gave us an opportunity to see Tufts in a new light and more fully grasp the breadth and complexity of the university. At Tufts, the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts: Its current strength and bright future come from the intersection of disciplines, schools, and programs, and the opportunities for intellectual and creative connection they provide.

We also came away with a deeper appreciation for how excellent leadership works to empower others. President Monaco clearly understands that the strength of the institution is grounded in its people and what they create together. He has worked to build a dedicated team and a strong framework—a legacy that can transcend his tenure as president and facilitate a smooth transition for his successor. The Tufts faculty, students, staff, and administration comprise a complex and diverse community, but together they are focused on and benefit from the many opportunities that Tufts provides. Each member of the community defines and realizes those opportunities in their own way.

We held our last council meeting in the beautiful new Joyce Cummings Center, a building that concretely demonstrates how the university values innovation through collaboration. Tufts’ evolution and forward momentum is inspiring. As alumni and parents, we are proud of what it has achieved and can’t wait to see what is yet to come.

Lori and Ted Samuels

We served as co-chairs during the pandemic, which deepened our understanding of and appreciation for President Monaco’s leadership during a time of crisis. He did an incredible job while operating in a complex, amorphous, and rapidly shifting environment. He was a voice of reason and thoughtfulness as he balanced difficult realities for students, faculty, and staff as well as for Tufts’ host communities. When people look back, it will be viewed as his finest hour.

We also became more aware of how important it is, especially when there are lots of opinions to be shared, to set aside one’s own opinion and simply listen. As council members, we were invited and encouraged to share our ideas and feedback, which reflects the university’s commitment to understanding diverse perspectives.

We also saw firsthand what makes Tufts an institution we’re proud to continue to support. During challenging times, Tufts, like many great universities, is civically engaged, caring, and resourceful. The commitment and rigor of its founding principles were reinforced during the pandemic. We see a dynamic university that’s ascending and growing, and yet also one that’s always true to its values.