By Maggie Biunno

When walking past Dempster Hall, many students picture the vibrantly colored on-air signs hanging above the studio doors or maybe a class of individual students who are eager to have their newspaper article on the cover of the New York Times.  But if you walk up to the third floor, you will find the office of the woman who stands tall behind the professors. 

Professor Sybil DelGaudio became the new dean of the School of Communication this semester after working as the interim-dean last year.

DelGaudio was born in Brooklyn.  As a child, she dreamed of becoming a part of the entertainment field. 

That urge continued to grow as she grew up.

“I think I wanted to be a performer,” DelGaudio said.  “I like imitating people and standing up and telling jokes.”

Eventually, DelGaudio decided to become a teacher instead, where she could enjoy her impersonations and jokes while educating the minds of younger individuals. 

She attended Brooklyn College for an undergraduate degree and, like many college students, changed her major.  By graduation, DelGaudio had changed her major from Spanish to English. Due to her love for creating costumes and sets, she graduated with a minor in theater design. 

DelGaudio went on to receive her Master’s at Northwestern University in interpretation and Performance Studies.

DelGaudio’s journey toward the University had just begun.  She began teaching classes on film in different high schools. 

“I was one of the earliest people who introduced a class on film into the high school,” DelGaudio said. 

She especially loves animation and documentaries. This career, however, didn’t fit her style.  DelGaudio made the decision to become a professor.  She attended Columbia University and received a Doctorate in Film Theory and Criticism. 

“It took about ten years,” DelGaudio said.  “I was working full-time as a teacher while going to class at night.” 

After earning her degree, she taught at Brooklyn College and New School University.

The path DelGaudio took to the University brought fond memories of theatre productions that she participated in during and after college.  While working on various sets for a children’s theater, she was able to spend time on her passion, costume design. 

“I worked for a costume designer for the original production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,'” DelGaudio said.  “It was quite a wonderful experience.”

On the set, DelGaudio was part of a team that worked with specialty fabrics and unique wigs.  It was a rewarding experience for DelGaudio where she was able to apply her learning to real life.

She arrived at the University in 1985 after applying for a one-year position to fill in for Dr. Jerome Delamater. She enjoyed her work so much that when a full-time position became available, she applied.  

DelGaudio has helped the University community since.  She was a professor for the Audio/Video/Film department at the School of Communication and was a chair for six years. 

Now as the dean, DelGaudio takes her position very seriously. 

“I help the faculty do its job in teaching the students, helping the students, mentoring the students and advising the students.  I help it happen,” DelGaudio said.  “The students are very much first priority.”

“I was happy to finally take my first production class,” Joe Zona, a 2004 alumnus and then-film studies and production major, said.

“I like her sense of humor.  I like her style,” Zona said.

DelGaudio helps the faculty in many ways and even introduced a few prestigious professors to Dempster Hall. 

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Sybil,” Professor Phil Katzman, an assistant professor in the School of Communication, said.

Katzman worked previously with DelGaudio at New School University, and through her influence, he came to the University. 

Professor Katzman is happy to see DelGaudio as the new dean of the School of Communication.

“We really have someone in place that will take us to another level,” Katzman said. “She wants the school to progress as one of the best communication schools in the country.”

In addition, DelGaudio’s easy-going attitude is a relief for her faculty. 

“She lets you know what needs to be done without standing over your shoulder,” Katzman said.  “She doesn’t micromanage.” 

In combination with promoting the University, she raises money for the School of Communication as well as brainstorming ideas for her mission to educate students.

DelGaudio taught a class for the 2003-2004 school year while working as the interim-dean, but teaching took much of her time out of the office and was difficult to manage.  However, her time spent teaching will not be forgotten by students.

“I would say she is very funny and friendly,” senior Amy Mowatt said.  “She is always willing to help you and is very clear on her feelings, but is also considerate of your feelings.  She has a great sense of humor.”

Mowatt recalled meeting DelGaudio during her sophomore year. 

“When I came in, there were no advisors for the Film Department,” Mowatt said.  “Dean DelGaudio became my advisor for a semester and then my professor the following semesters.” 

Mowatt added that she is thankful for DelGaudio’s advisement in helping her to graduate in four years.

DelGaudio offered much advice to aspiring students at the University.  She believes that students should strive to get to know their professors.

“The educational process is about give-and-take,” DelGaudio said.  “The more interest the student shows in their own work, the better their experience will be.”

“She really wants to see people succeed.  You always feel important when working with her because there is no competition,” Katzman said.

DelGaudio is an individual who has been able to incorporate her favorite interests into her career-an objective many college students dream of achieving.  Her distinctive personality makes the environment at Dempster Hall welcoming and friendly. 

DelGaudio works with endless effort to making the School of Communication better.  Her path leading to the University has helped her become what she is today. 

“Being a filmmaker has helped me give more to the students,” DelGaudio said.  “I can praise what they do because I know what it takes to get that result.”