Every month the Administrative/Professional (A/P) Council highlights an A/P staff member through a series of questions as another way for the Illinois State community to connect. This month readers can get to know Senior Professionals coordinator Laura Kowalczyk.
What are your responsibilities in this role?
Senior Professionals is a membership-based organization of retired and semiretired individuals from Central Illinois with backgrounds in various fields, including business, education, social service, trades, health care, volunteerism, and more. The group was formed 32 years ago as a means to provide partnerships among retirees, ISU students, faculty, staff, and the community. I coordinate these efforts, including conducting mock interviews with student-athletes, reviewing resumes, mentoring students, participating in panel discussions, planning special events, volunteering for Welcome Week, and serving in other capacities as requested.
In addition, I handle logistics for lifelong-learning, adult-enrichment programs, targeted to community members of retirement age. Programs include Mornings with the Professors, Academy of Seniors, and Classroom Journey bus trips.
How long have you been an employee at ISU?:
Nine years
What do you love most about working at ISU?:
I enjoy the variety in my job. Every day is something different. I’m fortunate to get to interact with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
What is one fact about yourself that might surprise people?:
I’m a two-time graduate of ISU, with a Bachelor of Science in public relations (1991) and a Master of Science in communication (1996).
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?:
Spending time with my family (husband Jeff, daughter Sarah, and son Alex), reading, exercising, traveling, or watching Alex play hockey and baseball.
What is your favorite spot on campus?:
The newly renovated Bone Student Center. I’m impressed with the updates made to the facility. It offers a great entry point, welcoming people to campus. I especially like the beautiful view overlooking campus from the second floor where prospective students gather for tours.
What quote most inspires you? Why?:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”—Wayne Gretzky
This quote is inspirational to me not only because it relates to both of my kids playing sports. but also the risks we take or don’t take in life. (Sarah, now a Redbird in her sophomore, formerly played hockey and softball.)
