President, University of Connecticut; President-elect, Michigan State University
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
1985
Bio:
Background information was taken from biographical information provided by Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections and information found in the UDM Archives. Dr. DiBiaggio grew up in Detroit and was the first person on either side of his family to attend college. He holds an earned A.B from Eastern Michigan University, a D.D.S from the University of Detroit, and a M.A. from the University of Michigan. He possesses an honorary Doctor of Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Sacred Heart University. After receiving his dental degree he had a private practice of general dentistry in New Baltimore, Michigan and was a Clinical Instructor in the University of Detroit, School of Dentistry. He later became an Assistant Professor, Assistant to the Dean and Chairperson of Social Dentistry, University of Detroit. DiBiaggio served on the faculty of the University of Kentucky, was Dean of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University from 1970 to 1976 when he joined the University of Connecticut as Vice President for Health Affairs and Executive Director of the Health Center. From 1979-1985, DiBiaggio served as the President of the University of Connecticut. "DiBiaggio's activities encompass education, government, and community service. He served on the board for International Food and Agricultural Development and Economic Cooperation, the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee of the American Film Institute, and the Board of Nominators for the American Institute of Public Service. Dr. DiBiaggio chaired the President's Committee for Argonne National Laboratory 6 and was a member of the Knight Foundation Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics, Pew Health Professions Commission and the national 4-H Council. He has served on the board of the American Council on Education and the national Board of medical Examiners." (MSU biography) "He is also active in community affairs, serving on the board of directors of the Economic Club of Detroit, Sparrow Hospital, and as President of the Michigan Division of the American Cancer Society. He is a member of the long-Range Planning Committee for the United Way, and holds a position on the editorial board of Michigan Woman." Commencement, University of Detroit, School of Dentistry, May 26, 1985.