Indiana Alumni Magazine
Loyal employees who excel at their jobs give a campus continuity and character. They are the glue …
Holding IU Together
By Susan Gerstenzang
Their number is legion. They seldom make headlines, but they do their work with dedication. A sampling of stories about staff members is a salute to IU's unsung heroes.
ED SMITH, IUPUI
The list reads like a "who's who." On it are a governor, a vice president, and a congressman. They have all walked through the doors during Ed Smith's 23 years as a custodian at the School of Law–Indianapolis.
Smith (see cover) says encountering these people has made his career interesting. Sometimes he meets them before they attain these lofty titles. For example, the student he used to speak with each morning years ago is now U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, JD'86.
"It's nice to watch people make a name for themselves," Smith says.
He also had the good fortune to meet the late John Morton-Finney, MA'25, LLB'44, JD'46, member of the National Bar Association's Hall of Fame. Smith says this was an experience that probably won't be surpassed. Before his death in 1998 at age 108, Morton-Finney was believed to have been the oldest practicing attorney in the United States (he retired at age 106) and the sole surviving member of World War I's unit of black soldiers known as the Buffalo Soldiers.
Although people are usually Smith's favorite memories, one recollection is more personal. Ten years ago he won the IUPUI Glenn W. Irwin Jr., M.D., Experience Excellence Award. This award recognizes faculty and staff members for service above and beyond the call of duty.
Jonna Kane MacDougall, BA'77, MAT'81, JD'86, assistant dean for external affairs at the Law School, wrote the nomination for Smith. It read in part, "Ed Smith truly personifies excellence in his field. Law School employees marvel at Ed's willingness to pitch in and help whenever and wherever necessary. Ed is a friend to faculty, administrators, staff, and students."
"I really cherish that award," says Smith, 55.
Golf is one of his passions, and he also enjoys music, art, and cooking. He has two daughters and four grandchildren. All of them live in the Indianapolis area, so he is able to see them regularly.
Keeping busy is part of his quest to live life to its fullest. He's grateful for the interesting memories and experiences his job has provided him. As Smith says, "You never know who will walk through the door."
JIM BEESON, BLOOMINGTON
Julia Child has been to the Bloomington campus. So has the Deli Lama.
Taking on such characters is all in a day's work for Jim Beeson. As foods manager at Edmondson Hall, part of Collins Living-Learning Center, he does everything he can to make eating in the residence halls memorable for students.
"If you take yourself seriously, then you shouldn't be here," he says. "I'm willing to go out on a limb." He knows this is part of his appeal to students.
And he cares. The idea that no one should go unfed was instilled in Beeson when he was young. This principle is what keeps him going. He believes in the importance of uniting students with well-prepared food in a timely manner. It's his moment of truth.
"He cares about the food, he cares about Collins, and he cares about the students," says Steven Kuhn, a sophomore from Memphis, Tenn.
For 28 years, Beeson, 61, has worked in food service in Edmondson, one of only two traditional dining halls left on the Bloomington campus.
From his first day Beeson was warned about Collins. The atmosphere would be more relaxed than other dining halls, he was told, and he would have more interaction with students. Beeson found both to be true, and over the years he's become one of the legends that make Collins different.
Every evening, Beeson sings "last call." It's his way to connect with the students and to ensure they don't miss out on the food.
At student orientation each fall, Beeson dons a costume. Most recently he was Julia Child, complete with dress, wig, and rolling pin. The students gave him a standing ovation. And the Deli Lama? That was Beeson's way to announce the new deli line.
Beeson smiles as he watches students eating, laughing, and sharing stories during lunch. If food brings family together, then he is right at home.
TIM FIENNING, EAST
In his job as financial aid specialist on the East campus, Tim Fienning draws upon his years of experience in working with people. He's learned a thing or two.
"I try to treat people with respect," he says. He's realized that more often than not this action yields satisfying results. This isn't to say there aren't challenging days, when Fienning finds himself on the receiving end of a student's frustration. But he knows he's not the source of the problem, and he's learned listening can make a difference. When all else fails, one of his favorite mottoes kicks in: "Kill 'em with kindness."
Fienning, 41, finds his job rewarding most of the time. He takes pride in helping students figure out the complicated financial aid process. He also knows his job is important as he assists students with vital decisions that shape their futures.
His wife, Roberta, works just down the hall from him as the senior administrative secretary in the student success office. He chuckles when he says she can hear him throughout the day. She helped convince Fienning to come to East, telling him about the advantages of a career in higher education. He hasn't regretted the decision.
"It's more of an open environment," he says. "You have more of a chance to give your ideas."
He started in shipping and receiving with the campus bookstore two years ago but missed direct contact with people. When the financial aid position became available a little more than a year ago, Fienning jumped at the opportunity.
Fienning believes he succeeds in his job because he relates to and admires many of the students. They all come from different backgrounds, and many turn to higher education to better their lives.
"I always wish the students good luck," he says. "I know how it feels to be scared."
EZEL SMITH, IPFW
Flag Day, June 14, 1950. Ezel Smith remembers the day well. It was her first day as a custodian with Purdue University in downtown Fort Wayne, years before IU and Purdue formed their partnership and established the Fort Wayne campus. When IPFW opened in 1964, Smith transferred to the first building on the new campus. Now the main administration building, it has been Smith's place of work for 38 years.
"I enjoy my work here in Kettler Hall," Smith says. "I get along with everybody. I try to do the right thing." If the numerous awards and recognitions Smith has received over the years are any indication, then clearly she has a knack for doing the right thing.
Widowed at a young age, Smith was determined to care for her two young sons. That required her to get a job. Her commitment and perseverance have been rewarded. In December 2000 the IPFW Ezel Smith Diversity Scholarship was introduced, for graduates of the Summer Bridge program. At IPFW's 14th annual diversity breakfast in February 2001, Smith's ability to overcome adversity earned her an award.
Smith, 83, works full time and intends to keep working as long as she can. She can't imagine retiring.
"I enjoy the people I work around. They're very nice," she says. "Even the students are nice to me."
Anna Sevier, BGS'00, assistant to the director of the affirmative action/equal opportunity office at IPFW, has known Smith for 22 years. She says when people think of IPFW, they think of Ezel Smith. Mention her name to almost anyone on campus — or anyone who has attended in the last four decades — and you'll elicit a smile.
Smith enjoys baseball, especially Chicago Cubs baseball. Her favorite player? "Sammy Sosa," Smith says firmly, with just a hint of exasperation. After all, who else could it be?
Smith's family is another source of pride. In addition to her sons, she has four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Although many live far away, she enjoys spending time with them whenever she can.
Smith's warm words reveal kindness, wit, and modesty. Small wonder many people consider her an inspiration.
MITCH SANDY, KOKOMO
Mitch Sandy is one of many people maintaining the pulse of the Kokomo campus. He has worked for IU for more than 15 years, the last seven in physical plant maintenance.
"We keep everything running so this place keeps ticking," Sandy says of the maintenance staff.
But this pride in his team only emphasizes his personal modesty. He struggles for the right words to describe himself, but without a moment's hesitation he tells how proud he is of his son and how much he likes his job.
The Kokomo campus offers an environment Sandy enjoys. "It's always cheery, everybody seems to get along, and we have a lot of laughs," he says. "It's like a small family."
For Sandy, 44, the family concept is truly a reality. His brother, sister-in-law, cousin, and girlfriend all work on the Kokomo campus, and his son is IU Kokomo's student body president.
With Sandy cracking jokes nonstop, it's clear that he is an integral member of the Kokomo family. "I like to laugh and make people laugh," he says. "I think there's a time to be serious, but I don't think work has to be all serious."
Sandy is trained in heating and air conditioning systems, and he easily gets around campus in a MAV — a Maintenance Attack Vehicle, also known as a golf cart. One day he'll install a water heater; the next he'll fix a leaky pipe. He enjoys the variety.
For Sandy, happiness is enjoying life in every possible way. Luckily, he believes his job helps him to do this each day.
BARBARA KRUSZEWSKI, SOUTH BEND
Although she's now nicknamed the "Queen of the Lobby," Barbara Kruszewski didn't think she'd get the job when she interviewed at IU South Bend nine years ago. Instead, she was hired on the spot.
Hers is the first face visitors to the main administration building are likely to see, and hers is the first voice many callers hear. It's a perfect match for a woman who enjoys watching and talking to people.
Because Kruszewski dislikes walking into a building only to be coldly acknowledged by what she calls a sourpuss, she tries to be the opposite, offering a friendly smile and helpful information. No sourpuss here.
At first, Kruszewski handled her job as the main switchboard operator from a basement office. Six years ago she moved to the front desk. She's much happier in a place where she can greet people and be at the heart of the campus.
For 32 years, Kruszewski has worked at an auto auction on Wednesday nights. She enjoys this role because it fuels her love of being around people. She says the men in her family have the artistic abilities (her son is a graphic designer and her brother a retired ballet dancer), while she's content to restore a '63 Corvette in her spare time. But art isn't completely lost on her.
More than six years ago, she started taking ballet lessons, something she had wanted to do since she was a little girl. She's worked her way up to pointe shoes.
"I'm proud of it," she says. "For a 59-year-old, it's not too bad."
EARL COPPLE, SOUTHEAST
Attaboys. That's what Earl Copple calls his stack of letters thanking him for jobs well done. For 16 years he's worked in the physical plant on the New Albany campus of IU Southeast. He says he's a country boy who's not afraid of any request, from a "critter" problem to vacuuming.
Copple is the liaison between the physical plant and other campus departments. He manages work orders and makes sure that whatever needs to get done gets done. If a student association has an event, he'll be there, helping to set up, ensuring things run smoothly, and tearing down. The Student Program Council acknowledged his tireless efforts several years ago with an award, the first and only one it has ever given. Copple is especially proud of that particular attaboy.
"When I do a job, I try to do it to the best of my ability and in a cheerful manner," Copple says. "I enjoy the people on campus, especially the students. We need to keep them happy."
Copple, 48, oversees the campus recycling program, single-handedly collecting all the recyclables from bins around campus. The Southeast campus currently recycles cardboard, white paper, and aluminum cans. He's part of the committee trying to expand the program.
Before joining IU, he co-owned a sporting goods store and is still an active outdoorsman. He came to IU seeking a job where he could stay for many years and build a retirement nest egg. Copple is a proud father and grandfather to his daughter and granddaughter.
Copple says he's down-to-earth and that the expression "don't ask me a question if you don't want an honest answer" describes him perfectly. He's proud of his work and of his campus. Attaboy, Earl.
JANET TAYLOR, NORTHWEST
The only constant is change. Janet Taylor knows all about this cliché. In 31 years of working in central printing services on the Gary campus of IU Northwest, she has seen the campus grow and change. Copier technology has changed as well.
Taylor, 51, is the senior operator in printing. She and one other employee duplicate all the exams, syllabi, and other miscellaneous printing jobs requested by professors and staff. Turnaround time is extremely important, she says. They aim for two or three days for small jobs, one week for larger ones.
When Taylor started, a mimeograph copier was the main machine. With its messy red ink, it had to be cleaned every week. Now her copier is computerized.
She says the strong family atmosphere that prevailed during her first 15 years has changed a little as the campus has grown. But she isn't daunted. "We have to go with change," she says.
Taylor says she likes working with faculty and staff and that she's good at her job because she enjoys it.
Charles Gallmeier, BA'76, attests to her work. As chairman of the IUN sociology department, he often finds himself going to Taylor with last-minute requests. He reports that she always offers a smile and gets her job done correctly. "I don't know what I'd do without her," he says.
A homebody, Taylor reads at least one book a week, usually a romance or adventure novel. She has one daughter and a 1-year-old granddaughter.
And how does Taylor respond to this recognition of her contributions to Northwest? "It feels just great," she says. 
Susan Gerstenzang, a master's student in journalism at IUB, is currently the magazine's editorial intern.