Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 28 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Rice has such a beautiful campus with lovely buildings and grounds that are well kept by dedicated staff. It is very motivational having such attractive surroundings to work in.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston has a “can do” attitude that is reflected in many features of the city. Having survived multiple hurricanes and other major weather events here, I am always amazed at how quickly the people within the city pick themselves up, dust themselves off and get back to the process of living.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: I often show visitors or new staff the stone blocks outside of Herring Hall that were placed there by the participating countries during the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations. It is a reminder of a milestone in Rice’s history and one of the more overlooked spots on campus.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The start of the new academic year in August. It’s great to see familiar faces returning to campus as well as new folks who are just starting their journey at Rice. It is also one of the busiest times for us here at the library.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: There are many things that make Rice special, but the retiree tree plaque program is near the top of the list.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The people I work with. I’m biased, but I think Fondren Library has the best staff on campus.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: I was fortunate to have Oxford University Press publish my book, “Notes for Violists,” a few years ago. A big shoutout to my co-workers at Fondren Library, especially the interlibrary loan department, for their research assistance while I worked on the book.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I graduated with a music degree from the Shepherd School of Music in the 1990s and still perform a lot around the Houston area. The city is a great place for freelance musicians.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: You will be overwhelmed with information during your first six to 12 months at Rice, and you will forget a large portion of what you are told during this period. So during your early time at Rice, it is important to focus on what matters most, which includes learning how to succeed at your job and understanding aspects that are of particular importance to you (such as benefits). You should try to locate knowledgeable people within your department who you can turn to for assistance, and you should also try to determine the organizational methods that work best for you.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Picnic Box Lunches on Bissonnet, which is conveniently close to campus.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d fly around and visit every museum in Houston. I’d then plaster social media with photos and videos of me enjoying the best artworks in Houston.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: I’ve loved every theatrical event that I have attended at Rice, starting with a production of “Godspell” at Lovett College in 1998.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Inspiring people; exceptional opportunities.