Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) held a reception during this weekend's Homecoming celebration to honor Trustee Emerita Judy Nitsch '75 and her late husband, Tony Magliozzi, for their leadership in environmentally sustainable development at WPI and in recognition of a major gift to the university. The gift supports facilities and academic programs, both key components of the university’s current $200 million fundraising effort, If…The Campaign to Advance WPI.
Nitsch, the founding principal and chairman of the board of Nitsch Engineering Inc. in Boston, is among WPI's most dedicated volunteers and most generous supporters. In addition to this most recent commitment, the Nitsch/Magliozzi Green Roof atop East Residence Hall is named for her and Magliozzi in recognition of their contribution to the construction of that facility. The first alumna elected to the WPI Board of Trustees, Nitsch has served for 23 years, all of them as a member of the board's Facilities and Campus Infrastructure Committee, which she chaired for 16 years. Nitsch was an early champion of energy efficient campus buildings.
"I was pushing LEED certification on campus and no one was following me," Nitsch said. "I knew in my heart of hearts it was the right thing to do."
In recognition of the couple's extraordinary commitment to WPI, and of Nitsch's commitment to developing environmentally sustainable facilities at the university, the entrance to WPI's new Sports and Recreation Center has been named the Judy Nitsch '75 and Tony Magliozzi Entrance. The Sports and Recreation Center, which opened a year ago, is one of the finest higher education athletic facilities in the Northeast and one of the "greenest" sports centers in the nation. The 145,000-square-foot center, which has a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, also provides WPI with space for hosting regional and national robotics competitions, as well as other non-sporting events.
"Her passion for WPI is so tangible and visible in everything she does," said Jeffrey Solomon, chief financial officer at WPI. "She wants what is best for this institution. I think she epitomizes the very best of what a trustee should be, and is a role model for others in terms of engagement and commitment."
