When Deanna Jantzen arrived at Northeastern University in 1976, the landscape was vastly different. The area where Snell Library now stands was just dirt parking lots, waiting for the transformation that would come in the ensuing years.
Fast forward more than five decades, and Deanna has become a beloved figure at Northeastern, earning a Distinguished Service Award for her unwavering commitment. Through her extensive career, she played pivotal roles in three presidential searches, including a major reorganization under President Jack Curry in the 1990s that elevated the university’s academic standards.
“It was a turning point,” Jantzen shared. “Those changes made Northeastern more attractive to students.”
Now retired, Jantzen reflected on a journey that included witnessing the growth of Northeastern into a sprawling network of campuses across three countries. Today, it serves students from all over the globe with experiential learning opportunities in 158 countries.
At a recent luncheon honoring her achievements, Northeastern’s President Joseph E. Aoun praised her as a model of service and a valuable source of knowledge about the university’s history and culture. Aoun highlighted how Jantzen had helped him navigate his early years at Northeastern. “Her insights were crucial for me,” he admitted, echoing sentiments shared by many who have worked alongside her.
During the gathering, a new scholarship was announced in Jantzen’s honor. The Torch scholarship aims to support first-generation students and has already raised over $130,000, as noted by Diane MacGillivray, Senior Vice President for University Advancement.
Jantzen’s career at Northeastern began in the late 1970s as the assistant director of alumni relations. Her first reunion event was for the class of 1922. Though she left for just three months in 1988, she realized her connection with the community was too strong to break. “The people are what kept me here,” Jantzen said.
Her work extended to collaboration with every board chair since the 1970s, earning her the reputation of being the “glue” that binds the trustees together. Her relationships with alumni and community members underscore the importance of connection in education. “Every time I thought about leaving, it was these relationships that held me back,” she reflected.
For many, Jantzen is an embodiment of dedication. Corinne Reppucci, a professor of cooperative education, described her as “an ambassador” for student learning, highlighting her commitment to not just academic excellence but also to student support. Deanna’s journey, starting as an undergraduate political science student, showcases her unwavering resolve and the values she has instilled in her work.
In a world where educational institutions are often scrutinized for their impact, Jantzen’s contributions stand as a model of how personal dedication can drive institutional growth. Her legacy at Northeastern reflects not just a career but a life committed to service, education, and community.
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alumni relations,Board of Trustees,Neal F. Finnegan,Northeastern University Distinguished Service Awards,President Joseph E. Aoun
