After 42 Years of Service, Peter Webber, Director of Auxiliary Services Announces Retirement; Successor Named

Wednesday, February 13, 2013, By News Staff

SU Director of Auxiliary Services Peter Webber has announced his retirement from Syracuse University, effective June 30, after 42 years of service. Auxiliary Services includes Food Services; Housing, Meal Plan, and ID Card Services; University Bookstore; Housing and Food Services Maintenance; Minnowbrook Conference Center; Data Systems; Conference Services; University Licensing; Research Park; and WAER.

The operational efficiency and effectiveness, student service focus, and financial success and stability of the Auxiliary Services operations have been trademarks of Webber’s tenure.  Webber focused Auxiliary Services operations in support of services to the academic mission of the University, and has been committed to creativity and entrepreneurialism throughout his years of service to SU.

In 1971, Webber began his career as a business manager for the Office of Residential Life as a graduate assistant while completing his M.B.A. at Syracuse University. During parts of his tenure at SU, he also managed Drumlins and Syracuse University Press.

A very successful change agent, Webber collaboratively improved and played an instrumental role in the building of new facilities throughout campus, including Ernie Davis Residence and Dining Hall, Goldstein Student Center, Kimmel Food Court, West Campus Market and Starbucks, a new studio location and increased power for WAER, and several campus restaurants and cafés.  Major renovations to the bookstore, commissary, Lawrinson Hall, Shaw Hall, Lyons Hall, Washington Arms and the dining centers and cafés on campus, provide higher quality service and products to the University’s faculty, staff and student customers.

“I want to thank Lou Marcoccia for the many opportunities he has provided me over the course of my career—I am very grateful,” says Webber.  “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 will continue to work on several community-affiliated boards and consulting projects.

Jamie Cyr, currently associate director for Auxiliary Services, has been named the director of Auxiliary Services, effective July 1.  Cyr has provided oversight of Auxiliary Services business operations, budgeting, forecasting, capital planning and trademark licensing, ensuring a smooth transition for the department.  Cyr received a B.S. from LeMoyne College, and an M.B.A. from Syracuse University, and formerly served as controller at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel.  Cyr serves as a member of the board of directors at Drumlins County Club and the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel.

“I thank Peter for all he has done for me, and I wish him good health and happiness in his retirement,” says Cyr.  “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.  I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities presented, as well as working with a broad spectrum of colleagues and departments to serve the University community. I especially thank Dr. Marcoccia for providing me the opportunity to lead such a vast and diverse operation.”

“Peter has provided many decades of excellent leadership and management in achieving continuous substantial and significant improvements in his areas of responsibility,” says Louis Marcoccia, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “His accomplishments have greatly benefited the University and its students. I most sincerely wish him the very best in his future activities and affiliations. In addition, I thank Peter and Jamie for collaboratively working with me to accomplish the transition of leadership of Auxiliary Services. 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.”