The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Dean, mentor of 30 years retires

By Kate Augusto

Ella Robertson, associate dean and director of special support programs at Northeastern, will retire at the end of the month, as the department she has overseen for about 30 years is restructured.

In addition to her work as a dean, Robertson was also a mentor available to all students and faculty, working specifically with minority students.

Eileen Calamese, who also worked in special support programs for nearly 30 years, will leave Jan. 31 as well.

Legacy 2000, a program Robertson started in 1995 that pairs first-year students with upperclassmen mentors, will continue under the leadership of Jonathon Santos Silva. But, student affairs will now administer Legacy 2000 and other support services, said Ed Klotzbier, vice president for student affairs.

While Robertson’s official job description included helping minority students in need of financial guidance, she described Special Support Programs as a triage center.

“I put on the band-aid and interrupt[ed] the NU shuffle,” Robertson said jokingly.

In her time at Northeastern, Robertson said she saw many changes.

“It’s just a different university and it’s not as easy to be as helpful as I want to be

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