Reception honors Paul Mazzocchi, first dean of the College of Life Sciences

Dean Norma Allewell and Dr. Paul Mazzocchi

L to R: Amel Anderson, William Higgins, Millie Lindenberger, Paul Mazzocchi, and Albert Klavon

Pete Mazzocchi, Dorothy Mazzocchi, and Paul Mazzocchi

Faculty and staff gathered on September 4th to honor Paul Mazzocchi, the first dean of the College of Life Sciences. Dean Norma Allewell hosted a reception in the “Dean’s Conference Room” of the Bioscience Research Building (room 3101) where a portrait of Mazzocchi will hang, and where portraits of the current and future deans will eventually be hung.

Mazzocchi first came to Maryland as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in 1967. He has been in leadership positions throughout his career. He is well known for his ability and interest in starting new programs and shepherding them to the point of stability. In addition to his role as the founding dean of our college, he was the founding leader of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, JIFSAN (the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Nutrition), and the University of Maryland’s first online degree program, the Master of Chemical and Life Sciences (MCLFS) program. In retirement he continues to serve as the MCLFS Director and as the Associate Director of JIFSAN as he pursues his hobbies and his always elusive golf game.

In addition to remarks by Dean Allewell and Ann Wylie (President Mote’s Chief of Staff), many of Mazzocchi’s colleagues spoke about his leadership qualities and experiences in working with him. Personal anecdotes by Bill Higgins, George Helz, Bruce Jarvis, and Beth Gantt inspired chuckles throughout the room and occasional blushing by Mazzocchi.  Mazzochi was joined by his wife Dorothy and Pete, as well as former staff, including Bill Higgins, who served as Associate Dean with Mazzocchi, retired assistant deans Amel Anderson and Albert Klavon, and Millie Lindenberger, who served as his executive administrative assistant.