10 questions with Dan SiefkenHow long have you worked for SAU?
I started working as an undergraduate admissions representative on exactly August 1st of 2009. So about one and a half years.
What is the best part of your job?
I like getting to spend time with my co-workers. I also like it when I get to travel and do PR stuff.
What do you think is the best kept secret about secret about SAU?
The underground tunnel system. Really, there is one that leads from Ormston to other places on campus. I think they run cables through it now. Program wise, I think Global Studies is a well-kept secret. A lot of people don’t know about it because it is young, but I think it has a lot of potential.
What is your favorite thing to do in Jackson?
The Jackson Coffee Company has music on Fridays. There are biking and hiking trails around Ella Sharp. There is also dumpster diving at Frito Lays…
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can juggle, speak Spanish, and touch my tongue to my nose.
How about any pet peeves?
I do. I don’t like it when people look past you when they’re talking to you – or when they text while you’re talking to them. I also dislike it when people drive slowly in the left lane.
What are three things people should know about you in order to understand Dan Siefken?
I have a good ability to cope in any situation (I hope that doesn’t sound cocky).
I love travel. I love culture. I love to learn via doing.
I spend a lot of time with my family. They define who I am.
What do you think is the worst TV show of all time?
The Real World. I dislike it because it defines a genre of negative television. It says to people that you all you have to do to be famous is be a jerk.
If you had to listen to one song on repeat for an entire day what would it be?
Something classical, like Beethoven. Or Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.
What book do you think defines your generation?
I think a book that defines a generation of men in their late 20’s and early 30’s would be “The Broken American Male: And How to Fix Him” by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. If you’re interested: http://www.amazon.com/Broken-American-Male-How-Fix/dp/0312379242
DUANE CLEVENGER
November, 2010
What he does at SAU: Coordinator of Stewardship Services, Advancement Office
Family: Wife, Donelda, an SAU alum who retired two years ago from teaching for 34 years!
Interesting Fact: Duane recently wrote a book to commemorate Donelda’s retirement from teaching. It is full of memorable moments, heartwarming and hilarious. Ask him about it!
It was 1989 when Duane began working here – as Assistant Registrar for the University. He was responsible for credit evaluation, registration, grading, and everything else that is required – for the Adult Student population. Even then, his task was large. Eventually, he explains, the University began adding staff to handle students in individual programs. [Editor’s note: Today, five people serve the GPS student population with these same services].
The one thing that Duane enjoys the most is the “SAU family”. He notes that because of the history he has here at the University, those connections and relationships continue to grow and “we care about each other”, he says. Duane has another connection at SAU - his sister Denise Johnson works here as well. She and her husband Paul Johnson, serve students in GPS.
What would he like to share with all SAPA members? Because he is committed to Customer Service - it's largely what he does at his desk everyday, he explains that when students leave the university frustrated, they don't remember SAU in a positive way; "we want happy people", he says. "When dealing with another person, think about the best way to get their question answered." Transferring callers from office to office often produces frustration - so rather than transfer them on, he will say: "Let me find the answer to your question and I'll call you back."
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BETTY VIDETO
September, 2010
SAPA is honoring Betty Videto for the very first MEMBER FEATURE!
Betty is an energetic 67-year-old who has a great love for Spring Arbor University. She has served students and faculty since 1983, first as the secretary for Social Sciences, then for Everett Piper in Student Development, and back to Social Sciences. She is now the secretary for 21 professors (including adjuncts). Wow!
Betty recalls a fondness for the typewriter when she was just a young girl. She took the Sears catalog page that featured the typewriters available to order, and made her own keyboard by tracing pennies in the arrangement of the keys on a piece of cardboard. That was her keyboard, and that was her start in serving others through secretarial work!
Even now, Betty talks about typing with a twinkle in her eye: there’s the story of the first typewriter she saved her babysitting money to purchase when she was about 13 years old, and the job that she once held with a Jackson publishing company - typing books (she refused to type the “dirty” ones, of course).
A few tidbits of her history with SAU: she was the first to receive the Second Mile Award – given to an employee who goes the extra mile in service to the university. She has worked in four separate buildings on campus, the Student Center, the Post House, Colson House, lower level of Dietzman, and now to the beautiful Poling Center! And I’m pretty sure she’s the first secretary from SAU to have a video of herself doing the Charleston on U-Tube as well. Check it out!
Family: Her husband of 41 years: Worth, a daughter: Tina and three sons: Donald, Judd and Joshua
Favorite things to do: Played softball for many years, and enjoys race-walking
Most embarrassing moment at SAU: Falling down the (22) stairs in the Field House – sliding on her coat all the way to the bottom!
Quotes: “My faculty treat me like a princess”
What would you like to say to SAPA members: “We are so blessed to work together here”.
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Betty is one of SAU's "gems" on campus. She has a servant's heart and her love for the Lord is evident in everything she does.
ReplyDeleteThis is so wonderful! I can't think of a better person to feature first. :)
ReplyDeleteBetty, your an inspiration to all of us! To have your energy even now!!! :) I appreciate the example you are to us as we look to model after those that love the Lord! :) Blessings!!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE working with Betty. Betty cares deeply for all who walk through our offices. She truly is an example of how Jesus would love us. Thanks Betty!
ReplyDeleteI was blessed to work near Betty when she was in Dietzman. She is just a joy to be around and makes me smile each time I see her. You are a true jem "bouncing Betty" and we love you!
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