Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

When did you join UMRA? September 2020, as I was planning for retirement.

What was your very first job? Working as the “hot chocolate” lady as a student worker at Valparaiso University, preparing beverages for folks after daily prayers.

What was your occupation when you retired from FT work? I was the associate vice president for central development programs at the U of M Foundation, managing three teams and teaching a class for early career development officers.

Do you have a favorite place on campus? Because I spent 17 years of my career at the College of Education and Human Development, I have a fondness for the Knoll area, Burton Hall, and the Institute of Child Development.

What is something you currently enjoy doing with your time? I have been in a poetry writing group for the last three years and I am also in a poetry reading group with the U of M Women’s Club. And I still have a mystery novel I started writing and have yet to finish. The other things I enjoy doing are making handmade cards, reading, babysitting for my granddaughters, drinking wine, and travel. (I don’t lack interests in retirement!)

What is a fun fact about you we might not know? My parents owned a commercial winery outside St. Louis for about 20 years (this was their retirement plan), and I learned to love wine and good food from them.

You joined the leadership council of the University Retirees Volunteer Center in 2024. What is it about volunteering that appeals to you? While I have not yet volunteered personally for URVC projects, I think the work this group does has incredible impact. The folks who recruited me convinced me that my skill set would be useful to the group, so I said yes! I plan to volunteer for one of the URVC projects in the coming months.

Editor’s note: To learn more about volunteer opportunities available through URVC—including greeting students and their families on campus for Future Gopher Admit Days on March 22 and April 11—visit the URVC website or contact the URVC Office at [email protected] (preferred) or at 612-625-8016.