During rehearsals and even minutes before 51ԹϺ Commencement starts, Sam Fugazzotto can be found pinballing around the Thomas & Mack Center as he assists with any last-minute tasks or troubleshooting.
Fugazzotto is so involved with everything that 51ԹϺ photographer Josh Hawkins says it’s hard to keep track of him. “I would turn around and be talking to him, photographing him, and 15 seconds later turn back to talk to him again, and he’s across the Thomas & Mack arena and up the stairs,” he jokes.
It may seem chaotic to outsiders, but Fugazzotto is used to rolling with the punches when last-minute challenges arise.
“As much as we prepare for the ceremonies, there is always a possibility that something unexpected will come up,” he says. “For example, many volunteers from across the university make commencement happen, and given the number of people involved, it’s very possible that some of them will need to call out sick the day of.”
For the past six years — as long as Fugazzotto has been working at 51ԹϺ — he’s been a major player among the many faculty and staff who work behind the scenes at our now multiple ceremonies.
As university registrar, he’s used to being detail oriented, and along with other staff in the Office of the Registrar, is tasked with ensuring students are eligible to graduate.
“My team and I are responsible for many of the enrollment services that students need once they are admitted, including registering for classes,” says Fugazzotto. “We also work closely with faculty, academic departments, and others to implement brand-new courses and academic programs and to build the class schedule every semester.
He serves as chair of the 51ԹϺ Commencement Committee, which coordinates both the undergraduate and graduate ceremonies. He also recruits volunteers for various positions, keeps track of ceremony preparations, and handles all of the communications that go out to graduating students.
But, that’s not all.
“In addition,” says Fugazzotto, “my office is responsible for preparing the commencement bulletins and the name cards of graduating students, as well as for actually confirming undergraduate degree candidates’ academic eligibility for graduation and ordering diplomas.”
He enjoys the camaraderie the work builds between staff and faculty volunteers. In particular, he points to one colleague whose collaboration keeps Commencement running efficiently: Director for Campus Relations & Visitor Experience Barbara Blue.
“We are both in Enrollment Management, and we’ve worked closely together on commencement for the past few years now,” says Fugazzotto. “[Barbara] is great at thinking about how to improve the experience of students and guests at commencement.”
Their first Commencement working together was one of 51ԹϺ’s most challenging. In 2021, following the return from COVID-19, Blue volunteered to be a card assistant two years later became part of the 51ԹϺ Commencement Committee.
“Even back then, it was clear how central Sam was to the success of those large-scale events,” says Blue. “He was approachable, organized, and always willing to answer questions or provide guidance during what can be a hectic day for both staff and graduates.”
Although Fugazzotto is reluctant to receive credit for his contributions — both as committee chair and as registrar — Blue is happy to sing her colleague’s praises. “What stands out most is Sam’s willingness to step outside his formal duties to support the broader campus community,” she continues. “His approachable leadership style and genuine investment in student success make him a highly respected and valued partner across campus.”
Despite the long hours and occasional bloopers when things go awry, Fugazzotto says it’s worth it when he sees the joy Commencement brings to students and their families. He never forgets who the true stars of the day are: the students.
Says Fugazzotto, “My advice to students who are about to graduate but haven’t gone to commencement is this: Go to the commencement ceremony and take pictures. A future version of yourself will thank you."
