WHO HE IS
Director of Special Projects, Facilities Management
TIME AT FORDHAM
15 years
WHAT HE DOES
John’s position entails anything from changing the light poles at Rose Hill so they’re all identical, to overseeing the building of the new Westchester campus. He supervises building renovations, manages special events and works with locations managers for films shooting on campus. Some recently completed and current projects include: renovating the lobbies of the McGinley Center and Faber Hall, lighting the façade of Keating Hall, powering the U2 concert, and building two log cabins for graduate students at the Calder Center.
BACKGROUND
“I have always been in the construction field, working for the family company for 20 years prior to coming to work for the University. My first 12 years at the University as the Assistant Director of Facilities Operations where the in house tradesmen reported to me for daily work orders.”
FORDHAM INSIDE AND OUT
“In my years with Fordham, I’ve worked in every building. I don’t think there’s a room on this campus I haven’t been in. I can remember as a teenager working with my father on Keating Hall waterproofing the turrets.”
BLUE CHAPEL RENEWAL
“All of the old, hand-hammered wrought iron of the Blue Chapel in Keating Hall had been taken down at some point, and it ended up in the basement of Faculty Memorial Hall. Something always told me to hold on to it because it was of such beautiful work and value. I had saved it for years, until the request came in to have the Blue Chapel restored to its original condition. We were able to reuse all of the wrought iron and faux finish the walls.”
FAVORITE SPACES
“Keating, of course, is a signature building, however, I think the renovation of Duane Library is magnificent! The blending of the old with the new, the way you can take something old and then add some new elements in it. It just gives it a whole new character. Architecturally I think it’s beautiful.”
WHY FORDHAM?
“I’m just very devoted to Fordham. The people are pleasant, the atmosphere, and everything about the campus has been wonderful.”
OUTSIDE INTERESTS
“I love the outdoors—the woods and fishing—but race horses are my passion. I’ve had a horse since I was seven years old. Presently I have just two, but there are times when I’ve had 20. I’m currently building a horse facility so I can train a couple of race horses again.”
