 Lazzaro began working for USC shortly after graduating in 1948, having been recommended by the dean of Engineering and hired by vice president Robert D. Fisher.After serving initially as assistant business manager and superintendent of buildings and grounds, Lazzaro was appointed associate business manager and director of campus development in 1960, associate vice president for business affairs in 1971, vice president in 1972, senior vice president for business affairs in January 1986, and finally university vice president and special adviser to the president in 1988.During his career, he helped guide the university during a period of rapid development that paralleled the increasing size and prominence of the surrounding City of Los Angeles.