What originally attracted you to GVSU?
When I returned to West Michigan after living out-of-state for a few years, I was delighted to hear how Grand Valley had become the fastest growing campus in the state, and I wanted to be part of the excitement happening in Allendale!

Share a favorite Grand Valley memory:
Some of my fondest memories center around the personal and professional growth in the graduate assistants who worked in the Career Center.

What was your proudest achievement during your time at the university?
Facilitating the employment of teachers at a time that the teaching market in Michigan was brutal. By initiating the first (and only) out-of-state teacher job fair in the country, we attracted employers to campus with job opportunities in all corners of the nation.

Who was a mentor or colleague who made a significant impact on your career?
Tom Seykora, Director of Grand Valley's Placement Office, was kind enough to double the size of his staff by hiring me in 1985. Tom was a mentor and friend who was a student advocate willing to share everything he knew about our field with me.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career at the university?
When starting out at GVSU, take every opportunity to meet and develop relationships with as many faculty, administrators, and staff as possible. This network will be your resources needed to get things done.

What have you been doing since retiring, or what do you hope to do in retirement? 
I don't understand when I hear folks say they worry about retirement because they aren't sure what they will do with their time. Just looking around, there's so much to do. Personally, I strive to challenge myself in mind, body and spirit. I have recently joined the university's Retiree Advisor Board and a board of a facility for the unhoused. When I'm not on the pIckleball court, I've continued to pursue ballroom dance and added instruction in piano and Italian. Why Italian? I recently purchased a little place in Apricale, Liguria, with the intention of spending more time there.