After seven years as director of student activities, Todd Shaver has decided to leave his post at Northeastern to return to his home state of Ohio for a similar position at Capital University. While both students and colleagues said they were going to miss the man who worked to turn the office around, they are already looking to the future.
“We are light-years beyond where we were just eight years ago because of Todd Shaver,” said President Richard Freeland at a farewell event for Shaver in afterHOURS June 29.
Members of NU and Improv’d were on hand for the event and provided a short roast for Shaver.
“Dame Edna called, she wants her glasses back,” said Chad Cooper, president and founder of NU and Improv’d. But Cooper got more serious when speaking of how Shaver had affected his experience at Northeastern.
“Todd has been nothing but the most invaluable resource on campus since I’ve been here – more than customer service, more than financial aid. Todd has been the most consistent,” Cooper said.
The idea of keeping the office student-centered has become increasingly more important in the Office of Student Activities, and according to his colleagues, Shaver tried to maintain that focus.
“There are few people who really understand what it means to be student-centered, but Todd Shaver is one of them,” said Allyson Savin, former Student Government Association (SGA) vice president for student affairs. “He was constantly searching for what’s best for the students.”
John Silveria, the associate director for leadership development, stressed the importance that the new director of student activities remain student-centered.
“Understanding where Northeastern is trying to go with the student experience is key,” Silveria said.
Vice President for Student Affairs Ed Klotzbier, who oversees the Office of Student Activities, said he is going to use this opportunity to reevaluate where the office stands and where it is going.
“We’re going to be looking at this area organizationally – staff wise – figure out what makes sense,” Klotz-bier said. “Student engagement and student leadership enhance student experience at Northeastern.”
Many of the people who had the chance to work closely with Shaver have their own expectations for his replacement.
“[We need] someone who’s charismatic; a thinking outside the box type, someone to really rock my boat,” said Jacqueline Indrisano, manager of afterHOURS. “We need an energizer in that position, but also a person you can go to to refuel – that’s what you need in a powerhouse of student of activities.”
Shaver said he does not doubt the student activities staff will continue to be successful.
“We have the best staff right now and next fall, great things will be happening,” Shaver said. “It’s going to be an incredible year at NU and I’m sorry I’m going to miss it.”
