After serving as the University's dean of students for 29 years, Robert T. Canevari's tenure came to an end yesterday.
But even on his last day, Canevari had work to do.
"It's been pretty busy around here," Canevari said. "I've been talking to people on the telephone and meeting with people--there hasn't been any time to just sit."
Canevari announced last April that he would not seek reappointment when his five-year contract expired.
Succeeding Canevari will be Penny Rue, the senior associate dean of students at Georgetown University. Rue will begin working at the University at the end of July.
"My position is in good hands with Penny Rue," Canevari said. "I hope that she can take it to new heights."
The transition between Canevari's and Rue's terms looks to be fairly smooth, Canevari said.
"I've been making adjustments over the last 14 months," he said. "I couldn't have announced my retirement two months ago and been ready to leave today."
Canevari himself is a Cavalier. He came to the University as a student in 1955, after spending a year at Blaire Academy in Blairestown, N.J.
As a first year, Canevari lived in Metcalf House. He was also a brother in the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and served in Army ROTC.
After graduating in 1960, Canevari left for active duty at Fort Gordon, Ga. Following that, he taught in a public high school in Buena Vista, Va.
Canevari returned to the University in the fall of 1963 to get his master's degree in education, balancing his studies with a job as an Albemarle High School teacher.
The following year, he became the assistant director of financial aid and placement, and he has remained with the University ever since. He became the dean of students in 1970. One of his most recent focuses has been the movement of formal fraternity rush from the fall to the spring.
"I am going to miss my colleagues and the important work that we've been doing," Canevari said.
As far as the future is concerned, Canevari said he plans to ease into his retirement. He said he looks forward to watching Wimbledon, doing some reading, and doing yard work with his wife.
"Dean Canevari has given of himself tirelessly, wholeheartedly and selflessly to the students," Assist. Dean of Students Aaron Laushway said.
Laushway called Canevari's departure "the end of a very important chapter of the University"
Read More
Honor Committee brainstorms sanction diversification, considers future steps for AI
By Lexie Stadler | 13 hours agoHancock and Carson Breus, vice chair for sanctions and third-year Commerce student, said they are collaborating to explore fresh sanctioning avenues.
Gaston and Ramazani Houses — the University’s newest upperclassmen residences
By Zackary Holt and Vyshnavi Tatta | YesterdayDining options will include a Peet's Coffee, The Den by Denny's, a Bodega deli and space for an additional restaurant that will change on a rotating basis.
From the archives: April 15 – April 21
By Emma Todd and Grace Franklin | YesterdayAttendees at the Beaux Arts Ball dressed for the occasion in costumes.
