On October 20th, President Spitsbergen was joined by º£½ÇÂÒÂ× cofounder and former president Dr. Diane Blau for the dedication of the Diane K. Zalapi Lecture Hall & Conference Center located in the Diane S. Blau Building. The dedication included remarks from Drs. Spitsbergen and Blau before the building’s sign was unveiled. Following the dedication those in attendance enjoyed a luncheon event to celebrate former º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Vice President Diane Zalapi, whom the space is named after.Â
“I could not think of anywhere I would rather be than º£½ÇÂÒÂ× on Friday, October 20, to honor Diane Zalapi on her retirement as Vice President from º£½ÇÂÒÂ×. I had the privilege of working side by side with Diane from the beginning of her tenure at the school. Unofficially known as the ‘Diane’s’, we overcame challenges and celebrated victories as the institution grew. We not only became professional colleagues but close friends in the process. The Diane K. Zalapi Lecture Hall and Conference Center was created in tribute to Diane’s significant contributions to º£½ÇÂÒÂ× and it was especially meaningful for me to participate in its unveiling,” said Dr. Blau.
Diane Zalapi was a key member of the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s administration for 16 years before she stepped down from her position in order to pursue new opportunities in August of this year. Since 2007, she strengthened human resource and financial systems and completed internal reorganizations that resulted in improved information technology, facilities, and student services. Diane’s commitment to accreditation led to numerous wins for º£½ÇÂÒÂ× during her tenure including a 7-year accreditation from the APA and continued accreditation from the HLC. She also led the efforts for the successful º£½ÇÂÒÂ× name change and rebranding, construction of a new building, and was a significant part of the vision, development and creation of the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× clinic. Diane brought mentorship, outstanding leadership, and an unmatched work ethic to our community.
“It was an honor to share in the tribute to Diane Zalapi’s legacy at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×,” said President Spitsbergen. “We hope that by dedicating the lecture hall and conference center in her honor that Diane’s contributions will be remembered by all those whose journey at º£½ÇÂÒÂ× has been shaped by her many years of remarkable work and guidance.”