Peter Webber came to Syracuse University and never left. His work didn’t make many headlines, but that’s how he liked it.

After 42 years of service to SU, Webber, director of auxiliary services, is retiring June 30.

Webber first began his professional career at SU as a business manager for the Office of Residence Life while finishing his master’s in business administration at the university, according to a Feb. 13 SU News release. Since then, he has risen through the ranks to his current position, where he oversees numerous departments.

When asked for an interview, Webber declined. But he did supply a statement for the release announcing his retirement.

In the statement, Webber thanked Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis Marcoccia for giving him various opportunities during his time at SU.

“I have been very fortunate to have worked my entire career at Syracuse University, established wonderful relationships throughout the University and the community, and with my wife, Daria, raised our children Tyson, Christopher and Elisabeth here,” Webber said in the statement.

Webber told The Daily Orange the university is about the students, and preferred not to be quoted in a story about his four-plus decades of service to SU.

Though he is retiring from work at the university, Webber will still be involved in the community, working on several boards and consulting projects. Webber also has a daughter who is freshman in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.

Despite his feelings that a university is about the students, Webber left his own mark during his time at SU. He played an instrumental role in the building of new facilities throughout campus, including the Ernie Davis Residence and Dining Hall, Goldstein Student Center, Kimmel Food Court, the West Campus Market and Starbucks, a new studio location for WAER, as well as several campus restaurants and cafés, according to the release.

SU must now find a replacement for a position that oversees Food Services; Housing, Meal Plan, and ID Card Services; the University Bookstore; Housing and Food Services Maintenance; the Minnowbrook Conference Center; Data Systems; Conference Services; University Licensing; Research Park; and WAER, according to the release.

Associate Director of Auxiliary Services Jamie Cyr has already been named to fulfill the vacancy, effective July 1. Cyr said he hopes to improve on the strong infrastructure Webber left him. Like Webber, Cyr received his MBA from SU and served as controller at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel.

“As director of Auxiliary Services, my goal is to build upon the solid foundation Peter has established by enhancing services, product quality and facility conditions for the students, faculty and staff,” Cyr said in an email.

While the position of director is changing personnel, Marcoccia said in an email that the transition will go smoothly.

“The transition has been well planned. I identified him several years ago and he has been mentored by Peter and me to be ready to assume Peter’s role,” Marcoccia said. “I am confident that all constituencies receiving service and support from Auxiliary Services departments will be very pleased by the high quality leadership and management Jamie will bring to the director’s position.”

Marcoccia said Webber’s commitment, effort, loyalty and can-do attitude will be missed.

“The best comment about Peter is his love, commitment, and loyalty to his family and the University,” Marcoccia said. “Webber leaves each of his areas of responsibility better than when he became responsible to lead and manage them.”

Published on February 20, 2013 at 11:13 pm

Contact Kelvin: kbread@syr.edu