As next door neighbors, Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) share more than just a commitment to interfaith collaboration and a beautiful view. In an effort to improve operating efficiency, the two academic institutions now share facilities management.

Effective October 1, Fred Aleman became Supervisor of Facilities and Maintenance at HC, and now reports to Frank Cavaco, Director of Building and Grounds at ANTS, who oversees facilities and maintenance on both campuses.

Rich Feczko, Vice President and COO of HC, believes the new collaboration reflects HC’s growing relationship with ANTS. He anticipates considerable cost savings, as the partnership leverages resources and contacts for both institutions. HC and ANTS already cooperate on a recycling program, which may expand with this collaboration. The possibility of sharing library management is also under discussion.

Since HC moved to the Hill in December 2001, partnerships with ANTS have focused primarily on interfaith dialogue, including the Interreligious Center on Public Life and the HC-ANTS student group, Journeys on the Hill. “These operational initiatives extend our collaborative efforts with ANTS in yet another way,” says Feczko.

Aleman voices some long-term goals, which include bulk purchasing of supplies and equipment, as well as ensuring the safety of students and personnel. “We will meet regularly and think of ways to save money and foster a working partnership that will last for generations to come,” he says.

Bob MacDonald, Vice President for Finance and Operations at ANTS, says this unification of services makes good financial sense for both institutions: “We are on one hill, and we are making decisions together.”

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