Special Productions: Keepin' it Real in Belfer's Basement

Getting things done around YU can be a nail-biting, frustrating experience. Getting things done in the Productions Department can be a bit easier. Students and faculty know that, come crunch time, David Diaz will be there to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Mr. Diaz began his tenure at YU inauspiciously. Thirteen years ago, looking for a job, he came across a "Help Wanted" ad in the local paper. Calling, he was pleased to find out that the offering was at Yeshiva. "My mother, has been working here for 18 years in Housekeeping," he reflects now, looking back. "She told me this was a good place to work." A team, of sorts, David credits the relaxed working atmosphere for maintaining his family's strong connection to YU.

In Productions, Diaz acts as a "front man," keeping tabs on what's where, when, and why. In short, "UPS, Fed Ex, packages, copying, and everything else that goes in and out. That's my job." In this capacity, he helps move things along, especially when students seem to need help.

Though not directly involved with most of the student body, Diaz noted that he works closely with the various student organizations on campus. When everyone else is in a rush and seems confused, Diaz says he enjoys helping out The Commentator and even YCSC. When it comes time for The Commentator to publish and printers are calling back and forth with deliveries, Diaz remains calm about his role. "I just hold the newspaper for them and call them up."

Sruli Tannenbaum, former YCSC President, dealt regularly with Diaz. "He always went out of his way to make sure the students were happy. Rather than just doing his job, he was willing to work a little more, just as a favor. Not everyone is willing to do that for us. It's special."

Waxing philosophically about the students of YU, Diaz said, "I like the students here. Most of them are polite." For the average student, Diaz is not much of a savior, keeping in the background most of the time and observing. "Over the years I've seen a lot of them come and go." In terms of deep philosophical reflections, though, he was quick to note that he doesn't interact with enough students. "Mostly I just find packages that were sent to the wrong address and help the students pick them up. I have no funny stories involving any of the students."