Haymon strong: Tufts dedicates Haymon Boardroom

This spring, members of the extended Haymon family joined Tufts faculty, staff, and alumni to officially dedicate the Monte and Jane Haymon Boardroom, a state-of-the-art conference room on the second floor of Robinson Hall. Made possible by the generosity of the Haymon family, the space is named in honor of Jane, J60, and Monte, E59, Haymon.

Jane and Monte first met as Tufts students in 1955, with Jane majoring in biology and Monte in chemical engineering. Their student years on the Medford campus sparked a nearly 60-year love story and a lifetime commitment to Tufts. That love for their alma mater was clearly present in the 16 members of the extended Haymon family – including several Jumbos – who were present at the May dedication ceremony. “My parents were most proud of the legacy they left behind,” said Debra Bloom, J85, speaking at the dedication ceremony. Debra, along with her sisters Karen Rubin, J83, and Jackie Katz, were brought up understanding that education was paramount and that Tufts University was a special place. 

Monte and Jane maintained a lasting connection to Tufts University for the rest of their lives, generously serving the Jumbo community until Monte’s passing in 2018 and Jane’s in 2024. For 28 years, Monte served on the School of Engineering Board of Advisors, chairing for 11 of those years. He was also a member of the Tufts University Board of Trustees for a decade. Together, Monte and Jane conducted admissions interviews, worked on Tufts reunion committees, and generously established the Monte and Jane Haymon Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to help Tufts undergraduate students with financial need. Monte and Jane’s daughters fondly recalled their parents’ personal support, too, with memories of phone calls home and letters of encouragement during their college days which they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

The May 2nd ceremony recognized Monte and Jane’s outstanding leadership and wisdom and their love for each other, their family, and Tufts. In addition to their daughter Debra’s remarks on behalf of the Haymon family, Kyongbum Lee, Dean of the School of Engineering and Karol Family Professor, and Steve Goldstein, E76, current Chair of the Engineering Board of Advisors, also spoke, with Steve warmly noting the mentorship and friendship he received from the Haymons. A fitting occasion for a special event: the Monte and Jane Haymon Boardroom celebrates and continues the Haymons’ lifelong legacy of fostering collaboration and warm connections among the Tufts community. 

“We always feel my parents’ presence while walking this beautiful campus on a hill,” said Debra. “We hope and plan to maintain the Tufts connection for generations to come.”