Thanks to My Great Team for a Wonderful 2009!

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a brief minute in my blog to thank my wonderful team for all they do to make Midwestern University such a special place. These are the staff that you--our alumni, prospective students, applicants, the media, and the general public--are most likely to encounter at the University. And they make me very proud each and every day.

The Offices of Admissions, Development & Alumni Relations, and Communications are the external outreach departments of the University. The staff in these areas work with our very important constituents, from prospective students to applicants to current students, faculty, and staff, to alumni, donors, the media, and the general public. They are constantly expected to achieve the highest levels of service and are the among the most visible representatives of the University out in the community.

The work they do is critical to the University's operations. They process applications and stay connected with our applicants. They counsel applicants and oversee interview days. They make sure all necessary documents are processed in an efficient and timely manner. They work with our campus community to coordinate special events, ranging from graduations and white coat ceremonies to faculty/staff recognition dinners and holiday parties. They stay in touch with the local media, providing experts for stories and sharing news of the campus. They produce our award-winning publications. This year they helped launch our new branding campaign and are working to extend the footprint of MWU locally and nationally. They create brochures and invitations and programs and newsletters that market the University and communicate with our many stakeholders. They stay connected with our alumni, traveling around the country to host receptions and attend conferences. They coordinate our alumni leadership groups, helping our alumni achieve their collective goals and advance their mission with our current students. They work with foundations and corporations to seek scholarships and other funding support. They cultivate donors and help generous individuals and companies give back to the University and provide opportunities for the next generation of health professionals.

I could go on and on, as there is so much great work that is happening in these areas at MWU. Often the work is done "behind the scenes," but it is critical to the academic experience of our students, the positive reputation of our University, and the continued success of our alumni. This past year has been very successful, and it is all due to the hard work of so many at MWU who are committed to educating tomorrow's healthcare team.

So, if you will indulge me this special year-end thanks, my personal and sincere appreciation: to Barb, Lois, Damienne, Lisa, Helen, and Rosemary; to Dana, Abena, Jill, Joanne, and Jessica; to Mike, Kerry, La'Mont, Abbey, Jessica, Kelly, Mary, Claran, Patricia, and Judith; to Karen, Courtney, Carolyn, Johnny, and Patty; to Christine and Karen; and to Jim, Tracey, Susana, Krista, Mike, Bree, Monica, Bea, Rosa, Dawn, Jennifer, and Diane. You guys are the greatest!

Photo: Kelly Lewis and Abena Patton at the annual Downers Grove University Relations holiday lunch at Volare Restaurant.