As part of Denison’s recognition of retiring employees, we share a Q&A with them about their time here. Enjoy this conversation with Library Associate Susan Rice, who is retiring April 15.
How did you first come to work at Denison?
I applied to Denison because I wanted to work in an academic library. My family visited the campus when my daughter applied to colleges. I thought it would be a great place to work.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoyed the variety of people I met through my job in Interlibrary Loan. I communicated with Denison students, faculty, and staff, and other library staff worldwide. I enjoyed my amazing ILL student employees. Many of them have stayed in touch after their graduation from Denison. I will fondly remember my colleagues, Denison students, faculty, and other Denison staff. They have been a pleasure to work with over the years.
What would you consider to be your greatest accomplishment while working at Denison?
I am proud I was able to help provide research and other materials for the Denison community.
What is your most memorable moment with a student or a favorite memory you have while at Denison?
I helped initiate the first Doane Library Therapy Dog event during the final exams of fall semester 2011. The excitement of the students and the patience and kindness of the therapy teams was overwhelming. Hours before the event officially opened, students crowded the building in anticipation of the arrival of dogs!! During the event, the library became so crowded that we thought we were going to have to begin to limit entrance. It finally settled down, but it was an amazing and restorative time for the students and staff.
Do you have a funny story, from your time at Denison, you want to share?
I have a story about my interview visit to Denison. My daughter drove me to the campus, dropped me off at Doane Administration building, and waited for me in the parking garage. After my interview, I tried to find my way to the parking garage from the library. I was wandering around in the area behind Slayter, but I could not find the garage. I came upon Kim Greenslade (future library colleague) and she kindly pointed out the outdoor stairs to the garage!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received throughout your career or what piece of advice would you like to share with others?
Eduardo Jaramillo gave me some timely support and a kind compliment. It was in December 2008, shortly before he passed away. I began my first full-time position at Denison a few months earlier after working part time for several months. He just happened to stop in the little office at the end of the library (old) circulation desk. His caring attitude reminded me of all the kindness I had encountered in my short time at Denison. I am forever grateful, Eduardo.
Thank you, Denison community.
I will remember my time at Denison with grateful appreciation.
