April 2015
About
Department/School/Division: Stritch School of Medicine, Division of Continuing Medical Education
Campus: Health Sciences Campus
Years at Loyola: 32
What is your favorite thing about working at Loyola?
Quite honestly it is the "Loyola University Chicago Family" of people and the compassion colleagues have for each other that is most important to me. It is something you cannot totally describe but more the atmosphere you can feel.
What is your most memorable achievement as a Loyola employee?
After 32 years, so much has happened that it is impossible to single out a specific accomplishment. For me, the achievement is consistently knowing that what I do makes a difference. I know that my contribution to the workforce benefits Stritch School of Medicine and Loyola University Chicago overall.
What does Loyola's mission mean to you?
To me, it is extending yourself to give others the assistance, support, and help they need as well as being appreciative of what others do for you. It can be a project you are doing, giving someone extra help when they come to you for information, or simply providing directions to someone looking for a building. Throughout our lives every one of us needs help with something at some point. Even small acts can make a big difference to the recipient.
What motivates you to succeed each and every day?
My motivation is the simple “I enjoy what I do.” I know that what I do matters, and that it is appreciated and valued by others. A favorite story of mine is that of the little girl throwing starfish stranded on the beach back into the ocean. When asked why and told her actions would not make much difference, she threw yet another into the ocean and said, “I made a difference to that one.” We each have a different array of starfish before us, but each of us can be that little girl.
Tell us how you show your Rambler pride.
Every individual who works at Loyola becomes the face of Loyola. I feel it is important to always reflect the best Loyola has to offer in exchanges with others. Whether it be outstanding education at our beautiful campuses, healthcare at a cutting-edge facility, or the Loyola projects that help others locally and throughout the world, all are important aspects that make Loyola shine.
Tell us something most people at Loyola would be surprised to know about you.
I like to do home improvement/remodeling projects. Demolition, drywall, plaster, paint, basic electrical, basic plumbing, tile work, floor refinishing – you name it. I learned a lot doing projects with my husband in our 40 years together. After he died suddenly two years ago, I realized that projects were something I still liked doing. I will readily admit that I still talk to him when I’m working, especially when I am trying to figure out a challenging task. Thinking about how he would have tackled that problem usually helps me to figure out the answers. Working by myself takes longer, but that’s okay. The finished product is always worth it and a great feeling of accomplishment.
