Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Almost 40 years. I started in August of 1985.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Meeting so many interesting people and hearing about their research and interests. We’re fortunate to work with so many fascinating people.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston is a great place to raise a family and make friends from all over the world. People are very open to making new friends here, so it’s a relatively easy place to find a community where you belong.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I like to walk my dog Cleo, ride my bike, play bridge and do barre/pilates classes. I also like to spend time with my daughters.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The Fondren Library, of course, and the area around Brochstein Pavilion. People love seeing the public art and enjoy people watching. The new Local Foods restaurant provides a great spot to get a coffee or drink.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: I really enjoy participating in commencement and all the related graduation events. I vicariously enjoy seeing students graduate and move on to the next stage of their lives.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The sense of community and collegiality is really special here. I feel like people really care about each other.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I really enjoy meeting students, learning about what motivates them and hearing about their future plans.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: I think my most memorable achievements relate to my family. My husband and I had a lot of fun with our daughters, and I am pleased that they turned out so well. I’m also pleased that the library has been able to continue to hire great new staff.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Try new things and stay positive.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: I would advise new employees to get involved on campus committees and meet people from other departments.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa, and attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where I majored in biology and Russian studies. I also graduated from the University of Iowa and then moved to Houston. I’ve always been passionate about libraries, and I have really enjoyed all my years working at the Fondren Library. There’s always something new to learn here.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: My favorite lunch spot is Valhalla. They have great banh mi sandwiches.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d try to go to an Astros game while in costume, and I would challenge Orbit to a dance contest.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: I think things are ever changing here. It’s important to stay focused on learning new things, reading all the news and announcements and getting involved in all the fun things on campus — athletic events, concerts and speaking engagements at the Baker Institute. I think my experience working here has kept me current on technology and world events.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I think Rice will be a larger school with more faculty, staff and students, and it is my hope that we will still retain our strong sense of community.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: I think the events around the Rice Centennial in 2012 were really special.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Collegial, brilliant, engaging and visionary.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: My hobbies and interests outside of work include traveling and looking for adventures.