Farewell, Simonetta Zysset
Since May 2006, Simonetta Zysset has been a cherished member of the Department of Computer Science (D-INFK), where she has been working as an administrative assistant. Over the past 17 years, she supported ten different professors in her role. As she is retiring at the end of this month, we look back at her time at ETH Zurich together.
Simonetta's journey at the Department of Computer Science began with assisting Professors Gustavo Alonso and Donald Kossmann. She vividly recalls her job interview: "Their first question was whether English was acceptable. My enthusiastic 'yes' instantly earned me big smiles from them both."
English posed no challenge for Simonetta, as she had studied English, Ethnology, and Italian literature. Her linguistic skillset proved valuable as she proofread scientific papers for the researchers, ensuring grammatical accuracy.
"Simonetta was our 'capogruppo', a nickname she earned at one of our early retreats because of her ability to herd all of us, faculty and students alike, in the right direction at all times. She has been a pillar of the group not only from an administrative and organizational perspective but also as the soul of the Systems Group. Her humanity, willingness to help, generosity with time, and dedication to the well-being of all students were an inspiration to all of us. She will be sorely missed in many ways."
Professor Gustavo Alonso, Systems Group
Her initial entry into the role came with its challenges. She recalls: "At the time, there were few readily available documents online to guide me, and ETH's processes were unfamiliar territory. I had to ask many questions and seek guidance from more experienced colleagues. I had to create my own forms to ensure I covered all administrative aspects, for example, when hiring new staff. It was also quite demanding because the two professors were located in different buildings, so I had to commute between the IFW and CAB buildings with a giant backpack."
Over time, Simonetta supported more professors and not only took care of them but also their postdocs, doctoral students, and student assistants.
"Simonetta is very thoughtful and caring. She truly cares about all the group members and is always happy to help. One example that stands out to me is when I first moved to Zurich from California with my partner and had to spend the first ten days in quarantine due to COVID-19 restrictions at the time. Simonetta welcomed us with the key to the ETH guest apartment and a welcome gift that included filling the fridge with some food to get us started in our first few days in Zurich before our grocery delivery arrived. She is always friendly and a joy to be around. Thank you, Simonetta, for all the warm, positive energy you bring to the group! We will miss you!"
Professor Ana Klimovic, Systems Group
Her responsibilities encompassed various organisational tasks: She assisted in the hiring processes of new researchers and aided the newcomers in setting up their offices. Simonetta is one of the founding members of the Systems Group, as she organised the group's inaugural meeting on the Stoos mountain in 2007.
"Simonetta was literally the first ETH person I met when I arrived to take up my job in the department. My wife and I had just fallen off a plane from Sydney, and I turned up in Simonetta's office to collect the keys to my temporary apartment. We couldn't have asked for a friendlier welcome: She was warm, welcoming, happy to help, and had already stocked our fridge with essentials and prepared all kinds of other useful stuff. Most of what I learned in my first few years here about how ETH (and indeed Switzerland) worked, I learned from Simonetta. It's sometimes forgotten that Simonetta played a crucial role in founding the Systems Group, now officially the Institute for Computing Platforms, more than 16 years ago. She single-handedly organized the first offsite meeting where the Group was founded and worked out most of how four professors' groups could work together as a coherent whole. Along with myself and Gustavo Alonso, Simonetta is one of the three original founding members of the Systems Group still at ETH Zurich. The department will not be the same without her."
Professor Timothy Roscoe, Systems Group
She also meticulously planned larger office relocations with her colleagues, such as when the Systems Group moved from IFW to CAB a couple of years ago and, more recently, to the STF building. She also organised various events, from arranging meeting rooms to planning aperitifs or hosting multi-day retreats and conferences. Simonetta always maintained a clear overview and thrived in these organisational tasks.
"I got to know Simonetta as an open-minded, cheerful, communicative, helpful, and sensitive person. I really enjoyed working with her. She has extensive knowledge about the work processes at ETH and life in general. I am sure she will leave a gap in her team. I wish her all the best and only the best for her new chapter in life from the bottom of my heart!"
Sandra Schneider, Programming Methodology Group
"At times, we even invited industrial partners from around the world to our retreats. Corresponding with them and trying to fulfil all their wishes brought me so much joy. It also came in handy that before coming to ETH, I not only worked for twelve years at the Rega but also in different museums in Zurich. Because of these connections to the art institutions, we could, for example, host a conference closing dinner at the Museum Haus Konstruktiv," she explains proudly.
"I remember well when I joined ETH some years ago how she made my start in the department easier with her helpfulness, dedication, and great knowledge. Working with her was great, enriching and from the heart. And I loved her cookies! She will be truly missed. I wish her only the best for her new phase of life, great experiences, and discoveries."
Jacqueline Braunschweiler, HR Manager D-INFK
However, her duties extended beyond the official tasks of an administrative assistant. Colleagues often referred individuals seeking advice to Simonetta, as she had accumulated extensive knowledge about ETH and its inner workings over the years.
"During the pandemic, I joined the Systems Group, and Simonetta was the first colleague I met in person. Only a handful of us worked from the STF office for an extended period before things returned to normal. I was fortunate to get to know Simonetta during that time. Her passion and responsibility shine through in everything she does, from taking care of her colleagues to looking after the plants and facilities in the office. She offered me invaluable advice and shared fascinating stories, which brought me cherished memories from my time in Switzerland. I extend my best wishes to Simonetta as she begins this new chapter. I hope she enjoys a wonderful life, realizes her dreams, and meets even more friends. I eagerly anticipate a reunion with her in the future."
Dr Runbin Shi, Systems Group Alumnus
She cared for numerous researchers on a personal level, offering not just guidance and support but also some sweet treats: "I always had a small basket of chocolates and candies on display, which everyone appreciated," she recalls smiling.
"Simonetta had an excellent connection with the group's students. She recognized we were expecting a baby well ahead of other team members. Specifically, she noticed Melissa drinking a lemonade, which is well out of character, at one of the group's Friday beers and knew immediately what happened. Simonetta really went out of her way whenever she saw the opportunity to help one of the students. Without her support, managing parenthood and PhD would have been harder for us both. For example, she promptly organized a family office when we returned from parental leave. That way, we could babysit our baby daughter in the office while working in those delicate first months."
Dr Lukas Humbel and Dr Melissa Licciardello, Systems Group Alumni
In the coming days, Simonetta will bid farewell to ETH Zurich. Even though she is retiring, she aspires to work as a museum attendant since she has always been passionate about art. And as an avid cross-country skier, Simonetta will undoubtedly spend lots of time in the Grison mountains during the winter months.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to Simonetta as she embarks on this new journey. May her days at the museum be filled with meaningful interactions and her time in the mountains abundant with snow. ◼️