Anthony Lazzaro (university administrator)
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Anthony Lazzaro (Born January 31, 1921, Utica, New York) is the vice president emeritus of the University of Southern California.
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Lazzaro was drafted into the Navy shortly after graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy. After serving in the Pacific theater aboard the troop transports U.S.S. Dupage and U.S.S. General Pope, Lazzaro was discharged from the Navy and moved to Los Angeles, California. Using G.I. Bill funding, he enrolled at the University of Southern California, earning a degree in industrial engineering.
Lazzaro joined the administration of the university in 1948 when he was appointed associate business manager and director of campus development.
He was made associate vice president for business affairs in 1971, vice president in 1972, senior vice president for business affairs in January 1986, and vice president of the university and special adviser to the president in 1988. Upon his retirement in 1991, he received the title vice president emeritus for his years of distinguished service.
During his active career at the university, Lazzaro was responsible for the construction of 132 buildings on USC’s campuses and oversaw landscaping that transformed city streets into walkways and pedestrian malls. “Anthony Lazzaro virtually built the USC we know today,” said President James H. Zumberge in 1987. “No single individual has had more impact on the development of this university.”
Lazzaro has gained national recognition among college and university administrators. He served as president of the Western Association of College and University Business Officers in 1972 and as president of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) in 1978. In 1986, he received the NACUBO Distinguished Business Officer Award, becoming the first active business officer to be so recognized.
Lazzaro received a special honor in December 1988, when Anthony D. Lazzaro Plaza, so designated by the USC Board of Trustees, was dedicated on the University Park campus to acknowledge his commitment and distinguished career of service to the university.
In 2007, Lazzaro was selected to receive the Fred B. Olds Award. The Fred B. Olds Award is presented on special occasions to USC alumni for their extraordinary and unparalleled service to the university over a long period of time.
