"Over all these years, I've found in him a colleague who was always ready and available, capable of sharing solutions rather than problems, and ready to get excited like a child at the news of a transfer to a new location, a long-cherished dream finally realized. But above all, I've had in him a precious and loyal friend. I will miss him, and dearly, as will his colleagues, his students, and all of us."
These are the words with which the Rector of the University of the Republic of San Marino, Corrado Petrocelli, remembered Alberto Dormio, director of the undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Management Engineering at the University of San Marino, who passed away a few days ago.
I couldn't even pinpoint the first time I met him. We had certainly already crossed paths several times in Bari, perhaps even before the Polytechnic was founded, thanks to Attilio Alto, who later moved his volcanic activity to San Marino. What is certain is that every time I came to honor the commitments of the Advanced School of Historical Studies and the Doctorate and had, even fleetingly, the opportunity to meet him (there, and we were fellow countrymen), I felt like I was speaking with one of the true founders of the University of San Marino, someone who had experienced the first exciting moments, who had begun his academic career there and would never stop feeling deeply connected to that world whose stories and secrets he perhaps guarded. And when, at the beginning of my first term as Rector of the University of San Marino, I met my colleagues, it was no coincidence that Alberto was generous with advice, valuable stories about the past, and even indications for the future. Yes, for the future. For someone who had been working for years along a well-trodden path, one could It was almost natural to be content with maintaining a decent standard. But no, Alberto grasped the delicate nature of the moment, understood that the offerings needed to be renewed, expanded, and invigorated. And he devoted himself to them with convinced and passionate vigor. The innovations would pay off immediately, and within a short time the three-year program in Management Engineering would multiply its enrollment, attract acclaim, and see many of its graduates obtain flattering positions. Building on those successes, the master's degree program would also be born. And he would direct both, knowing as always how to combine the innate good nature that characterized his gentle nature with highly effective organizational skills. Tireless, a great builder of relationships, he not only transferred the product of his high scientific skills into his teaching, but also succeeded in smoothing out bureaucratic problems, provided his decisive contribution to the drafting and renewal of agreements with the University of Parma, imagined new forms of international collaboration, accumulated agreements with the most diverse companies, and cared deeply for the to provide his students with valuable opportunities. Obedient to the rules, he combined his generosity and ability to overcome bureaucratic obstacles with a conduct that was always inspired by transparent moral rigor. Concerned with the interests and future of his degree program, he always sought to align them with the needs of the University, ready to sacrifice for the common good. We will miss him. I am certain that at this time our entire university community will want to extend a warm and sincere embrace to his family. Farewell Alberto. We want to remember you like this, as if you were still here, with your kind smile and ever-present bow tie. May the earth rest lightly upon you, my friend.”
