 | | Tim Volpe, Assiciate director for administration, robert h. lurie comprehensive cancer center |
How long have you been at Northwestern University?
I recently received my five-year pin as a Northwestern University (NU) employee. However, this month marks 30 consecutive years on the Chicago campus for me, with the past 20 in the Lurie Cancer Center in a shared management position between NU and Northwestern Memorial Hospital(NMH). Where are you from?
I grew up in a very rural county in Central Illinois — NU has twice as many employees as the entire county has people! But I’ve lived in Chicago now for 30 years and can’t imagine living anywhere else — it’s a fantastic city. I currently reside in the Gold Coast which affords the luxury of not having to invest time in commuting. What is your education background?
My undergraduate degree was in psychology, and I subsequently earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 1978. I came to NMH in 1979 as a staff social worker, became a department manager in 1983, a multi-department director in 1987, and then transitioned into the Lurie Cancer Center in 1989. While it might seem like an unusual background, my social work training in community organization, problem solving, negotiation and consensus building has actually been invaluable. And I still maintain an active license as a clinical social worker — just in case. What is your role at the Cancer Center?
As the associate director for admin-istration, I have oversight responsibilities for all of the typical administrative functions of an operating unit. As the Lurie Cancer Center has grown, my role has become one that significantly supports internal and external relationships. Internally, we work in partnership with numerous departments, centers, institutes, and the Feinberg-affiliated hospitals. Externally, the relationship with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and supporting the Center’s NCI cancer center support grant are a major focus of my effort. Likewise I am very active with the American Cancer Society and also provide the administrative support for the center’s exclusive regional membership in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) — an alliance of 21 of the nation’s leading cancer centers dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer care. What’s a typical day like for you?
As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center we maintain an elaborate membership and governance structure and support research programs and shared resources — all of which are an everyday part of the job. The Lurie Cancer Center also supports a number of interdepartmental, multi-investigator grants, and we’re always looking for the next funding opportunity. Philanthropic support is critical to the center’s continued growth, and I work with very talented colleagues in the Feinberg Office of Medical Development and the Northwestern Memorial Foundation on a regular basis. Why did you choose to work here?
I originally came to Northwestern in 1979 because of its reputation. I consider myself very fortunate that Dr. Steve Rosen, the director of the Lurie Cancer Center, chose me when he was searching for an administrator. I choose to keep working here because of the outstanding people and the contributions they make to our mission. What do you like/dislike about your job?
Being part of a growing organization presents constant stimulation and excitement as well as a broad range of activities. We have an outstanding management staff who all go the extra mile in making the center successful. I often wish we didn’t have so many grant and project deadlines facing us — but in truth that’s what has allowed us to be as successful as we’ve been. What are your hobbies or favorite books/movies?
I typically read two books a week and really enjoy historical fiction. Cold war/espionage and detective novels and movies are unquestionably my favorites. I have a goal to read more non-fiction. Someday I may actually get there. What do you like to do in your free time?
I love tropical vacations. Last February I went to Costa Rica for the first time and would highly recommend it, The country has an extraordinary history, wonderful people, and incredible flora and fauna. In late January I’m heading back to Kauai; without a doubt, it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. | 
