Suffolk University - Beacon Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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I the future . . . Ashburton Place Suffolk University purchased the Ashburton Place building as their answer to much needed space. The 65-year-old building was first built to house the Boston City Club. On September 2, 1978 the Univer- sity signed final papers that would make the 12 story building part of Suffolk. Previously owned by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay Inc., the cost for 8 Ashburton Place was $605, 000. This year and last, students were given guided tours of the building, and the Student Government Associ- ation worked at getting student voice for the building blueprints. The expected time Suffolk would occupy the building has varied. In 1978 University Officials said that Ashburton would be ready by 1980. Later the date was changed to 1981, and now its 1982. The finished result will be all ad- ministrative offices, a student pub, classrooms, and cafeteria, all occu- pying the first eight floors. The four empty top floors are secured for fu- ture growth. Student Activities and organiza- tions will be housed in Ashburton for two years, while the Ridgeway building is renovated. Then they will go back to their previous home since no room can be found for them in 8 Ashburton Place.

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A last colorful look at Ridgeway and annex 16

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Fulham Administration — an era of growth and progress It is really difficult to look back over ten years and realize that it was ten years. In 1970, when I agreed to accept the presidency, I was certain that I was doing the right thing. Unlike a person approaching a new situation, I had the advantage of nine years of Trusteeship that enabled me to understand the mission and ob- jectives of Suffolk University. Despite the myriad of changes and the influence of different persons and events, this mission and those objectives have not changed, only become more relevant. Of paramount importance to any educational institution is the quality, quantity and attitude of the students who attend. The progress that has been made during my administration has been a faculty and administrative response to the desires and ambitions of the students for objectivity, enrichment, and the desire to in- crease their awareness of their latent abilities and the circumstances that will at- tend them when they enter the world in which they must live. May I take the opportunity to thank the students not only for the problems they gave me, but for the inspiration I received by being allowed to share in their struggles and ambitions. I shall treasure these memories for the rest of my life. Thomas A. Fulham ' s decision to step down as president on July 18, his 65th birthday, caught the Suffolk community by surprise, but it was no impulsive move on the president ' s part. He had been mulling the deci- sion over for some time. Fulham, the sixth president in Suf- folk University history, had served longer than any of his predecessors save for founder Gleason L. Archer. He will probably be remembered as the University ' s most progressive president. The student newspaper, Suffolk Journal, which frequently took him over the coals, nevertheless assessed him as accessible and who never hedged on issues. The Evening Voice cited the purchase of the Ash- burton Place Building as an example of the growth during Fulham ' s ten- ure. The Fulham tenure is studded with accomplishment. Physically, the university ' s growth is evidenced by three new buildings and an operating budget of $15 mil- lion, up from $5 million when Fulham succeeded Judge John E. Fenton in October of 1970. He con- tinued Fenton ' s open door policy with the students and staff and kept the university debt free with a bal- anced budget. One of Fulham ' s greatest strengths has been his leadership in the com- munity and neighborhood. Not only did he cooperate with the Beacon Hill Civic Association, he joined and became a director. Temple Walk, the attractive mall fronting the Donahue Building, got its impetus from the Suffolk presi- dent. He encouraged Suffolk student Arthur Slotnick and the Beacon Hill architect Jim McNeeley to pursue the project. With the help of $25,000 university contribution, the plan be- came a reality. President Fulham had served as a trustee for eight years before assum- ing the presidency. He has seen en- rollment climb by more than 1000. The stature of the faculty rose so that nearly 100 professors held doctor- ates. During his 10 year service: Construction of the $3.2 million Fenton building and $1 million ren- ovation of the Donahue building. Acquisition of the 12 story United Way building. Suffolk University Law School was voted full membership in the Association of American Law Schools. Creation of a Center for Public Management in the business school. Establishment of trustee visiting committees. Development of the Robert S. Friedman Cobscook Bay Laboratory. Establishment of the senior citi- zens ' program enabling those over 65 to take free courses, a program which has won the commendation of the Massachusetts House of Repre- sentatives and has been emulated in the State Colleges. Establishment of a collection of Afro-American literature. Restructuring of the Suffolk Uni- versity Alumni Association and de- velopment of an annual fund for the colleges and law school. Formation of a Women ' s Commit- tee on campus. Direct nomination of alumni mem- bers to the board of trustees. Ratification of Joint Statement on Rights, Freedoms and Responsibil- ities of Students. University membership in WGBH Educational Foundation. Fulham has become one of the most active and respected leaders in private education in the Common- wealth. He was recently elected as chairman of the Association of Inde- pendent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts, representing 52 insti- tutions of higher learning in Massa- chusetts. Chairman Vincent A. Fulmer praised the Fulham tenure. He has brought the presidency a seasoned business acumen and a calm r easoned approach to the organiza- tion of educational programs . . . and managed the affairs of Suffolk Uni- versity with extraordinary care and attention to it ' s financial integrity.