Kohr’s pending retirement prompts organizational changes in Housing, Meal Plan, ID Card Services

Kohr’s pending retirement prompts organizational changes in Housing, Meal Plan, ID Card ServicesJune 12, 2006Cynthia J. Moritzcjmoritz@syr.edu

After 35 years of service to Syracuse University, Dave Kohr will retire as director of Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services in August. As a result of his retirement, several changes will take place in the areas for which he has had responsibility:

• Peter Webber, director of Auxiliary Services and the SU Research Park, will assume the responsibilities for Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services; Housing and Food Services Maintenance; and the Minnowbrook Conference Center on July 1.
• Eileen Simmons will be director of Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services.
• Gillian V. Budman will assume Simmons’ role as associate director of Housing.

Kohr came to Syracuse University in 1971 after four years teaching in the psychology department and working in the student services area at the SUNY College at Oswego. His assignment in coming to Syracuse was to blend separate men’s and women’s housing and residence life programs into a single operation. During his time at SU, he has held positions in Housing and Residence Life, leading to his current responsibilities.

He has served on the executive board of the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) and was involved in working with many Syracuse University staff in creating such continuing programs as the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and Residential Security Aid (RSA) program; construction of housing facilities on North and South campuses; renovation and renewal programs for University Housing; creation of the Housing and Food Services Maintenance Zone; and development of the “one card” University I.D. program.

Kohr says that over the years, while much has changed at Syracuse University, a common theme of providing a quality housing experience on a residential campus has been an ongoing mission for his staff.

Webber, in his role as director of Auxiliary Services, is responsible for overseeing the operation of the University Bookstore, Food Services, Conference Services, Drumlins, Trademark Licensing and WAER. These responsibilities will continue, as well as his responsibility as director for the SU Research Park.

Simmons has served as an associate director of housing at SU since July 2003 and the assistant director of North Campus housing since 1990. She chairs the Housing Policies Committee and serves as a liaison with the Office of Admissions, the Office of Disability Services, the Athletics Department and the Office of Learning Communities. She is a member of the University Judicial Board and Appeals Board, has been a trainer for BFAS SUIQ and is a current member of the BFAS Quality Council.

Budman joined the Housing Office in July 2003, having been in the Office of Residence Life since 1997. She coordinates and manages the new and returning student housing assignment process for more than 5,000 students, including all housing assignments for students living in learning communities. Budman serves on the Facilities Planning Committee and Orientation Committee, along with various other committees on campus.