To Bob

International students recruited to attend Dickinson by outgoing Vice President Robert J. Massa express their gratitude.

July 1, 2009

One of the biggest lessons we have learned from our time at Dickinson is that when you decide to embark on a project, you should do so wholeheartedly if you wish to see it—and everyone involved—thrive. This lesson comes as much from our personal experiences as students as it does from the living examples we have had the honor to witness. Robert J. Massa, departing vice president for enrollment and college relations, has been one of our leading role models and strongest supporters throughout this journey, and it is to him that we wish to dedicate these brief words.

The Global Campus Scholarship program, which has opened Dickinson’s doors to students from Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil, began in 2003 as one of Dr. Massa’s many projects, aimed towards increasing campus diversity. More important, this program gives students with significant potential but insufficient financial resources the opportunity to pursue dreams that could not be achieved otherwise.

Students in this program have not only been outstanding academically, but they have made an impact at Dickinson by engaging in sports, the performing arts, scientific research and cultural and religious life. Through our efforts as teaching and research assistants, resident advisors, peer tutors and volunteers, we have tried to leave our mark on the people around us. As the first generations have graduated and begun their after-college lives, they continue to excel academically and as community leaders.

Dr. Massa’s role in this story is critical. His commitment to enhancing our education was exemplary. Yet even more so was his commitment to each of us as individuals. His comforting advice enriched our college careers in many ways. Dr. Massa embodies many of the high universal values that he was seeking in his many recruitment trips throughout South America, and thus he became a role model for a large group of diverse individuals. Surely, this can be said about other proud Dickinsonians who have passed through the limestone walls during his tenure. He has always been—and will continue to be—our supporter and mentor.

As he moves from this stage in his career, we wish him nothing but the best for the future, and we want him to know that the mark he left on Dickinson will not be forgotten. As Dickinsonians who have been touched by Bob, we commit to keeping his legacy alive, since it is not only a duty to the campus community but a pleasure to do so. On a more personal level, whether at Dickinson or elsewhere, we wish him to know that he will always have a place in our hearts and that, in no small measure, knowing him has led us to be the individuals we are today.

Signed,

Pablo Thaler ’07, Daiana Beitler ’07, Ezequiel Gleichgerrcht ’08, Anabella Atach ’08, Elianne Elbaum ’08, Damian Glumcher ’08, Manuel Saralegui ’09, Aline Scop Plavnik ’09, Tania Berkowitz ’09, Clara Sanguinetti ’10, Bettina Cerban ’10, Javier Krysztal ’10, Alejo Lifschitz ’10, Julieta Rabinovich ’10, Gabriela Uassouf ’10, Adrian Majlis ’10, Fabio Drucker ’11, Denise Glumcher Goldberg ’12, Andres Israel ’11, Florencia Kantt ’11, Azul Mertnoff ’11, Florencia Jinchuk ’12, Tomas Sanguinetti ’12, Diego Struk ’12 and Martin Rubinstein ’13.

The 2008-09 Global Campus Scholarship recipients had a farewell dinner with Robert J. Massa’s at Miseno’s across from the Kline Center this spring. From left, first row: Azul Mertnoff ’11, Florencia Jinchuk ’12, Adrian Majlis ’10, Florencia Kantt ’11. Second row: Alejo Lifschitz ’10, Clara Sanguinetti ’10, Bettina Cerban ’10, Tania Berkowitz ’09, Aline Scop Plavnik ’09. Third row: Diego Struk ’12, Manuel Saralegui ’09, Bob Massa. Fourth row: Tomas Sanguinetti ’12, Martin Rubinstein ’13, Fabio Drocker ’11, Andrés Israel '11, Denise Glumcher Goldberg ’12.