INFORMATION FOR
Nunzio Maurice Vacca, known to everyone simply as “Maurice,” retired from William Paterson University on July 1 after 28 years of dedicated service. If you spent any of your evenings in the Cheng Library over the years, chances are you knew Maurice.
Maurice joined the William Paterson University Library staff in March 1998 as its first Evening Supervisor, a new position created to support the Library’s expanded operating hours. Prior to joining the WP community, Maurice held positions with the Glen Ridge Board of Education.
As the first person to serve in the Evening Supervisor role, Maurice had the opportunity to shape and develop the position, creating new approaches to serving the university community and supporting Library operations. He oversaw Lending Services during the evening hours while also managing a wide range of building operations, including maintenance, staff scheduling, materials circulation, and coordination with Public Safety.
Throughout his 28 years at William Paterson, Maurice played an important role in numerous Library projects. Among them was the recarpeting of the entire building, a massive undertaking that required moving tables, chairs, study carrels, and other furniture throughout the Library. He also contributed to the development of spaces for the Jazz Archives, Graduate Study area, and Chinese Collection.
When asked about his most memorable project, however, Maurice immediately pointed to the Amy Job Classroom Puzzle Framing Project.
A team of Library staff members undertook the daunting task of completing Life: The Great Challenge, a 24,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that measures nearly 15 feet wide and 5 feet high.
Maurice helped develop and execute a plan to frame the completed puzzle and mount it on the concrete wall of the Amy Job Classroom. A sign accompanying the framed puzzle recognizes the staff members who completed the monumental task and Maurice’s efforts to bring the project to completion.
Reflecting on his retirement, Maurice said he was especially thankful for the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people throughout the Library and across the University. He expressed particular gratitude to Norma Leavy, former Library Director; Dr. Anne Ciliberti, former Library Dean; and Dr. Edward Owusu-Ansah, Dean of Library Services, for giving him the opportunity to become such a vital part of the Library community.
After 28 years of evening shifts, special projects, furniture moves, puzzle pieces, and countless interactions with students, faculty, and colleagues, Maurice leaves behind a lasting contribution to the Cheng Library and the William Paterson community.
Congratulations and best wishes to Maurice on his retirement!
