Feb. 13, 2007 issue

I came here in 1979 as a graduate assistant in the English Department. I had originally looked at the master's program at the University of Michigan, but I discovered that the program at Eastern Michigan University was exactly what I wanted.

Actually, I first visited the campus back in 1967 when my sister was a student here. I came here for Little Sisters Weekend and stayed in Downing Hall. My husband grew up here and graduated from EMU. My mother-in-law was a graduate assistant in the English department here as well. So, some of my family's roots are here!

I worked with the Writing Center, which was staffed by Ypsilanti Adult Education in the 1980s and housed in Pray-Harrold. I taught in the English department for 11 years and have worked here in the Graduate School for the last nine years.

Quite honestly, I got burned out teaching freshman composition, but then I was offered this job, and I just love it! My schedule is flexible which, although my kids are grown-up now, worked out very well when they were younger. It's not as formal as teaching and, since I'm helping graduate students with their theses and dissertations (in addition to my work on the Graduate Research Fair), I get to do a lot of reading, which I really love. I work with great people doing a job I love!

I love the diversity here, the fact this is both a college town as well as historic town. I've stayed at EMU because I'm committed to this area. I was a charter board member and longtime president of the Normal Park Neighborhood Association. I served on the Ypsilanti City Council (1995-1998); I volunteer with the Ypsilanti District Library and Ypsilanti Historical Museum; and I've served on the board of the Ypsilanti Heritage Foundation. I really believe that Eastern Michigan University is one of the best things about Ypsilanti, and Ypsilanti is one of the best things about Eastern Michigan University.

 

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