Hi Earl,
President Monaco brought to my attention your question regarding email account expiration. This is good timing, as Tufts Technology Services, in partnership with the Schools, is currently discussing the merits of maintaining a tufts.edu email address beyond graduation for some of the reasons you mention.
Like many institutions, Tufts currently provides email forwarding for life through Alumni Relations. Graduates can register for an “@alumni.tufts.edu” account that provides an enduring email address that won't change over time (http://www.alumniconnections.com/olc/pub/TUF/permemail.html). This approach is in place based on earlier feedback and experience that suggests many individuals do not wish to manage a separate university email account after graduation, particularly as they acquire additional personal and work-related accounts.
While many find the email forwarding service to be valuable for managing Tufts’ contacts throughout one’s career, it does not address the issue you raise regarding