March 6, 2007 issue

First of all, I work here because Eastern Michigan is an institution that does a great job of providing an outstanding education for young people and preparing them for the 21st century. In my role as ombudsman, I have an opportunity to mentor students and, hopefully, make a positive difference in the lives of young people. There weren't a lot of role models when I was in college for students of color. Now, I help to make a positive difference not only in the lives of students of color, but in the lives of all students.

I help students navigate through the University system and help facilitate communication between the students, their families and the University. I provide a confidential way for students to voice concerns about University policies and then help them evaluate their options and make recommendations on how best to resolve them. The most challenging part of what I do, really, is maintaining a neutral role during an investigation, particularly as I advocate for students.

I'm often reminded of a song Mahalia Jackson sang at the funeral for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The lyrics say, 'If I can help somebody as I travel along, if I can help somebody from doing wrong, my living will not be in vain.' That song has been part of me, and speaks pretty much to what my career, particularly here at Eastern Michigan, has been about.

Also, I'm here because of the friendships I have developed over the years. This University is, in many ways, like an extended family. Most of my friends were single when we came here more than 20 years ago. But, we've married, raised families and have maintained those friendships.

In spite of all of the adversity that the University has encountered over the last few years, it is still a great place to work.

 

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