Familiar faces easy to find places on campus
Campus Times
May 9, 1997
As the school year comes to a close, it has been discovered that several
individuals, particularly those employed within the University of La Verne,
have remained unidentified. Many people are recognized as familiar faces,
yet not truly distinguished by name.
For this purpose, time has been dedicated to such individuals, so that
they, too, can be credited for their contribution to the University.
Rosa Holston,
Davenport Dining Hall Cashier/Checker
In person, Davenport Dining Hall's Rosa Holston is quite similar to
the typical ULV student. In her position, she sees people daily, and occasionally
finds herself incorporated in the college experience.
With a warm smile to brighten the early morning day, Holston waits patiently
aside the door at Davenport. As students enter the dining hall, she scans
their meal cards one-by-one, and assists them in any questions.
For Holston, mother of three adult children and grandmother of four,
this routine is quite regular, as she has served as cashier and checker
for the University's dining services since 1973.
"I first heard of the position through a neighbor, a cook and chef
for Davenport at the time. She told me of a job available at the University,
and I decided to apply," Holston said. "The position for which
I applied was pot-washing; after six months I was offered the role of cashier
and checker."
According to Holston, other than the fact that she needs a job, she
has continued to come back for the past 27 years "knowing that each
year there are new people and faces."
As a personal challenge in the job, she tries to match a person's name
with his/her face. Usually, Holston masters that skill by the turn of the
first semester.
"I enjoy meeting and seeing different students come in. Sometimes,
close relationships are established between the students and myself, but
one of the best parts of my job is witnessing the hustling and bustling
of graduation time. I have been witness to so many graduating classes. Graduation
time is quite fun," Holston said.
Holston contributes a part of her life to the University of La Verne
and its students, but she also makes it a point to set some time aside for
herself and others. When she is not at work, she enjoys walking and doing
activities such as picnics and games with small children.
Jason Wenrick,
Student Accounts Assistant
Behind the Student Accounts window, Jason Wenrick appears quite caught
up in his work. When he is away from school, however, Wenrick assures students
that he takes time to be a little daring.
Wenrick, a 1995 University of La Verne graduate, is a fairly new employee
to the University, as he has only worked as a Student Accounts assistant
the past six months.
"When I was looking for a job, I wanted something different. I
already had experience as a student worker [in Student Accounts], so I had
an idea of how things worked. I kept looking at job listings, and later
talked to Christine Cruz [former assistant to Student Accounts]," he
said. "She told me that a job may have been opening up in Student Accounts,
and I took the opportunity."
Wenrick received a bachelor's degree in English from the University,
and has chosen to continue his education this year in his pursuit toward
a master's degree in educational management.
"This may sound funny, but I actually like learning. A major factor
in staying at ULV is to study," Wenrick said. "The tuition remission,
and the fact that many of my good friends still come to La Verne made me
stay with the University."
By his words, it may appear that Wenrick spends much of his free time
studying, but, he makes it a point to spend weekends doing something adventurous.
He describes himself as "overly active," and "needing to
go out every weekend."
Some of his weekend plans include hiking and mountain biking, but Wenrick
also takes time to relax by reading or working in the garden.
A member of the Gamma class for Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Wenrick
looks forward to one thing at the end of a long workday. As he enters his
Claremont home, Wenrick comes face to face with his dog, Paws(er), who anxiously
awaits his arrival.
Carmen Montes,
The Spot Cashier/Checker
On a weekday evening, as students, faculty and staff await the end of
another day, Carmen Montes, cashier and checker for The Spot, stands behind
the counter, ready to take and prepare customers' requests.
An employee for Aramark for nearly two years, Montes first learned of
the cashier and checker position through a friend.
"A friend of mine worked here, and was ready to retire," Montes
said. "She recommended that I apply, and that's how I started working
here."
Montes has always liked working with and helping others. Prior to her
employment at The Spot, she was an elementary school teacher and cafeteria
supervisor for a school in Mexico.
In her words, Montes likes working at The Spot because it is "enjoyable...with
many nice people to meet and help. Armen [Ananian, Aramark Food Services
director] and Jill [Cloverdale, supervisor for The Spot] are very nice people.
They make my job fun; it's something I look forward to doing."
Montes has established several friends since working at the Spot, among
them senior Seth Marrs. She expresses that, in her job, she does not find
many challenges, but the hardest thing she will have to confront is the
absence of Marrs after graduation.
"Seth is a very good person; I will really miss him when he leaves.
All I can say is that I wish him all the best, and he deserves the best,"
Montes said of her coworker. "I hope he does well in his future, and
hope that he never gives up. "
Kristen Rathbun,
Student Center Mailroom Clerk
Checking mail day-to-day has become a habit for many University of La
Verne students. But for Kristen Rathbun, mailroom clerk, placing that mail
in the appropriate box is even more habit-forming.
"I've been working here for 10 months," said Rathbun. "I
heard of the job when I went to the Human Resources Department; a job list
was posted there."
Since fall of 1996, the 22-year-old Rathbun has dedicated her time to
the mailroom. Having taken time off from her studies at Chaffey College
in Rancho Cucamonga, she admits her interest in the University of La Verne.
"I've gotten to meet many students. I know everyone by their box
number," Rathbun said. "The only thing that bugs me is when they
throw unwanted mail back into the room."
She lives in Upland and is anticipating the birth of her first child
in August.
"I know the baby is a boy and his name will be Jayce Taylor. Since
my pregnancy, I tend to get tired a lot, and I really can't do much,"
she said.
In her spare time, Rathbun enjoys spending time with friends, but especially
enjoys making jewelry. Her projects include hemp jewelry, beaded jewelry
and earrings.
Regarding her educational interests and her prospective choices of majors
when going back to school, Rathburn is considering psychology, social work
or criminal law.
"I am undecided at this time," she said.