So, what do you do here?   

I oversee University Catering. My staff and I plan and execute events for a wide variety of clients—students, departments, corporations, private parties, weddings, etc. I work with the sales staff, banquet operations, and chefs to ensure all events are a success.

What do you enjoy most about working in a higher education setting?

I enjoy the diverse group of people and events I get to work with on a daily basis. Every day is different and exciting. 

Take us through your most memorable day at the university.

My most rewarding day was the first football game I worked at Kinnick Stadium, serving food and beverages at the same time to all of the suites in the press box—60+ individual suites, ranging in size from 12 people to 125 people—and succeeding. It was a great day but a long day. I’m just thankful I have such a great team at University Catering to make it all possible.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken—and did it pay off?

Purchasing five acres of land and a house…while it isn’t "paid off"…we have had success raising animals (chickens and bees) and producing food (apples, pears, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, grapes, beans, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, lettuce, potatoes, corn, pumpkins, gourds, cantaloupe, watermelon, sunchokes, asparagus, onions...and the list goes on).

If you could spend a day with anyone, from any era, who would it be and why?

Abigail Adams—she seems like a smart and interesting woman from whom I could learn.

If you could have a song written about you, who would perform it, and what would it be called?

Huey Lewis—"Don’t Forget to Have Fun"!

If you could get rid of one invention in the world, what would you choose? Why?

TV—it's too much of a distraction and takes away from good conversation.

Name five of your favorite things.

• Books/reading, though I have too many favorites to mention just one
• Sitting on my porch with my husband and daughter
• Working in my flower garden
• Picking fruits and vegetables that my husband and I grow and then preparing a meal
• Visiting my beehive and tasting their fresh honey