Call Him Mike
The Avaltroni Era Begins
By Kenna Caprio
Photos by Karsten Moran
FDU Magazine caught up with Michael Avaltroni at the end of the spring semester for an insider’s view of the president’s schedule. Over the course of a few days, he attended countless meetings; answered emails; engaged the community on social media; and celebrated student, faculty and staff achievements. The president sets the tone for the University, and he’s a man on a mission to uplift all FDU constituents and put students first. “There’s a lot of talking in this job, but even more listening. It’s about showing up in every way possible,” says Avaltroni.
President Michael Avaltroni in his Hennessy Hall office on the Florham Campus.
Each year, the University honors those faculty and staff celebrating milestone years of service. Here, President Avaltroni delivers opening remarks at the event.
President Avaltroni stops by the Dickinson Café in Dickinson Hall on the Metropolitan Campus to chat with and cheer on nursing students as they study for their final exams.
Benjamin Rifkin, interim University provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, left, and Michael Avaltroni in conversation on the portico of Hennessy Hall at the Florham Campus.
At the 46th annual student awards ceremony, President Avaltroni looks on as Metropolitan Campus students receive their awards. Students were honored for their excellence in academics, athletics and student affairs.
Sydnie Fatt, BA’20, MA’21 (Flor), University social media manager, right, films President Avaltroni for his TikTok debut.
There’s always time for a meet and greet! University employees mingle outside with President Avaltroni.