Colleague Connection: Steven Dal Santo

Meet Steven Dal Santo, project manager for Northwestern IT’s Telecommunications and Network Services. With a career rooted in hands-on technical work and decades of experience in infrastructure planning, Steve plays a key role in managing large-scale technology projects that impact the entire University. From campus-wide Wi-Fi upgrades to major telephony overhauls, his work ensures that Northwestern stays connected and future-ready. Beyond the technical side, Steve is known for his thoughtful communication, strong campus relationships, and a deep appreciation for the people and places that make Northwestern special.

Tell us about your role in Telecommunications and Network Services. 

As a project manager in Telecommunications and Network Services, I lead large-scale infrastructure projects that impact both campuses—primarily focusing on Wi-Fi, telephony, and major tech rollouts. 

One ongoing effort is our campus-wide Wi-Fi refresh. When I started, coverage was limited to key areas like libraries. Now, we manage regular upgrades every few years and respond to user feedback to improve coverage in real time. 

Another major project was replacing our more than 30-year-old phone system with a modern solution. It required extensive coordination across departments, pilot testing, and clear communication to ensure a smooth transition. 

Overall, I manage projects that require broad coordination, careful planning, and long-term sustainability. 

How did you join Northwestern? 

I started my career as a contractor installing voice and data cabling and phone systems, which gave me a strong technical foundation. I then spent 16 years at Hewitt Associates managing fiber infrastructure, data center design, and contractor coordination. 

After a brief stint at an engineering firm, I was approached for a temporary role at Northwestern. I accepted a one-year contract, which quickly turned into a full-time position. Interestingly, some of my earliest career installations were actually on the Northwestern campus, so joining the University felt like coming full circle, and I’ve been here since 2012. 

Can you tell us more about the recent work on the Jacobs Center switch room relocation? 

One of the most demanding recent projects I’ve worked on was relocating our primary network switch room—a facility critical to nearly all University operations. We had only 40 days to complete the move, and the work had to begin while classes were still in session during the 2024 winter quarter. 

The project was led by Doug Dickerson, telecom/network distribution manager, and I was brought in to manage all end-user communications. With around 180 buildings on the Evanston campus, we needed a clear, coordinated plan. I worked with Serena Simpson, communications specialist in IT Communications, to develop daily, tailored messages for affected buildings, ensuring everyone knew when outages would occur and how to prepare. 

We held regular meetings with Facilities and the project team to align technical work with communications. We also coordinated closely with departments like Student Affairs and the University Libraries to ensure disruptions were avoided during finals and reading week. 

Despite the tight timeline, we met every deadline with minimal disruption. It was a true team effort—more than 30 people were involved—and a great example of what strong collaboration can achieve. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

What I’ve always appreciated is the opportunity to connect with people across the entire campus. Because my projects often impact multiple departments—from the Pritzker School of Law to Feinberg School of Medicine—I get to interact with a wide range of individuals. 

I genuinely enjoy hearing feedback and concerns. My goal is never to say “no” to someone’s needs, but to find a way to work around challenges so they can continue doing their work effectively. Over the years, I believe I’ve built strong relationships across the University. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

My wife and I love spending time together—especially visiting the Ozarks in the spring and fall when it’s quieter. I’m also an avid golfer.  

We also enjoy visiting our kids. Our daughter lives in Denver, which gives us a great excuse to enjoy Colorado, and our son, daughter-in-law, and one-year-old granddaughter are in San Antonio. Family time is a big part of our lives. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus? 

When we were based in the Jacobs Center, I loved walking through the heart of campus. It’s such a calm, peaceful environment—sometimes you just need to step away from your desk, take a walk, and reset. Those quiet moments really help you recharge during a busy day.