MaryKate Carter
Thanking Pam Popefor 24 Years of Service and Welcoming Anna Osborn
Pam Pope and Anna Osborn
The Resource Center for Persons withDisabilities welcomes visitors, students, parents and instructors with openarms and a smile, but that smile has recently changed.
Pam Pope served as the RCPDreceptionist and alternative test facilitator for 24 years, and this Decembermarks her retirement. MSU has much to thank Pope for as she leaves this month.
Whether it was pointing out the bestresource or scheduling a last minute pop quiz in an alternative testing site,Pope helped students experience MSU with maximum success and comfort.
RCPD Director Michael Hudson describesPope as "the quiet leader" of the RCPD. She was a pillar of consistency andcould be relied upon to schedule tests, open the office and greet visitors.
Pope reminisces about buildingrelationships with students as she steps down from her role. She is leaving thedesk, but the memories she has of supporting individuals in their collegecareer will stay with her.
At a welcome reception for 2004alumnus Aaron Scheidies, Pope told a wonderful story about preparing an Easterbasket for him every year while he was in school.
Pope brought a passion for supportingpeople to her work. For years she has provided candy at the front desk to offerevery student a pick-me-up. She also helped those in need.
"When students walked in without awinter coat or boots because they couldn't afford them, I would always to mybest to find some or go out and purchase the items for them," Pope said.
With a nurturing heart, it is nowonder she came to be known as the Mother of Tower Guard.
The personal service the MSU communityhas come to expect from the RCPD will not retire with Pam. Students and staff whorely on the RCPD will continue to receive excellent service from a new teammember.
The RCPD warmly welcomes Anna Osborn. Osborn's official responsibilities asalternative testing facilitator include overseeing and scheduling tests. She ensuresthat accommodations are made in a way that suits both the student and theinstructor. Most importantly, Anna offers a warm welcome to everyone who entersthe RCPD and helps visitors find and understand resources.
"I'm very proud and excited to beworking for Michigan State University," Osborn said.
"I have always enjoyed working in aneducational setting, probably because I love to learn new things."
Osborn brings enthusiasm andcreativity to the front desk and is excited to meet and support students.
Because she worked at Lansing CommunityCollege for seven years, Osborn is talented in assisting students. Hercompassion and work ethic prove her dedication to maximizing ability,opportunity and success for all.
Whatever the challenge, Osborn remindsstudents that Tomas Edison once said, "I have not failed, I've just found10,000 ways that don't work."
Before finding 10,000 ways that don'twork, come visit Anna Osborn at the RCPD front desk. She is ready to facilitatetests, point out resources and offer encouragement.
TheNew Year is around the corner, and the RCPD welcomesit with new support efforts from Anna. But as this year comes to a close, theoffice also takes time to honor Pam Pope for her years of service.
Staff and students celebrated Pam's successful career with aretirement celebration on Friday, Dec. 2 at Walnut Hills Country Club. Thestaff presented a commemorative clock engraved with "Thank you Pam for 24 yearsof service to MSU's RCPD."
Pope spoke at the reception of her personal growth at RCPD, funmemories and enjoyment of helping people. Even at an event to honor her service to MSU, Pope closed her speechwith gratitude to students.
"My biggest family is the Tower Guard," Pope said.
"Thank you from me and all of the students you helped."
Pam Pope thinks of students first even in her retirement. As herrole is passed on to Anna Osborne, MSU students can rest assured that theirneeds will continue to motivate team RCPD.