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<\/p>\nSmall in stature but mighty big in heart is how many may describe the office manager of the School of Graduate Studies, Kathy Schrage. After 26 years of dedicated service to the U of L, Kathy is retiring at the end of February. Leaving the place that has played a large role in her life is bittersweet, but for this new grandmother and long-time supporter of the University, she says it\u2019s simply the next chapter in her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first started at the University in 1991 in a three-month contract position in the President\u2019s office. Later I moved into the Vice-President\u2019s office to a full-time\u00a0in a\u00a0permanent position which led to the opportunity to support the new Master of Arts and Master of Science programs that had been approved to begin in 1992. At the time, the Faculty of Education was the only other Faculty that had a graduate program.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was such an exciting time to be a part of the University. We had these amazing opportunities to begin to offer to students from all over the globe. The programs have grown and expanded and getting to play a part, even if it\u2019s a small one, in the success of students is just a wonderful honour. That\u2019s really why we\u2019re all here, to serve students and help them along in their journey to a bright and brilliant future.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been very lucky in my career path. I\u2019ve basically grown with the School of Graduate Studies. I started out providing administrative support at the front desk to now being the Manager of the School of Graduate Studies. I am so fortunate to work with a wonderful team of colleagues, and that\u2019s what makes retiring a little bittersweet for me. It\u2019s the comradery, the people and the connections that I have made that have made this a great place to work over the last 26 years.<\/p>\n
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Donna Court, Marion Eastman and Kathy Schrage.<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cMy sisters, Donna Court and Marion Eastman, are also staff members on campus which makes the University a real family affair for us. Giving back to the University has been something we really believe in as a family. Over the years, my family have tried to give back in small ways for example sometimes driving for Operation Red Nose, serving the antibullying and harassment committee, on some occasions walking for Relay for Life with the University\u00a0team, and setting up a scholarship in honour of our parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Gordon and Elizabeth Merrick Scholarship was launched after our mother passed away from cancer in 2005. The award is given to students who help those who are living with cancer. I was lucky enough to be in the crowd at a donor gala one evening when a student was speaking to her experience at the U of L. The student happened to be the recipient of our parent\u2019s scholarship that year, which she spoke so eloquently about, and how important the scholarship was to her. You could have pushed me over with a feather when I heard the student mention our parent\u2019s names. It\u00a0made us feel like we really are making some difference for some students.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the fondest memories of my life are ones I\u2019ve made at the University and the people I\u2019ve made them with are so special to me. I know I\u2019ll be a bit misty eyed when I walk out of my office for the last time, but it won\u2019t be the last time I\u2019ll see my friends and colleagues here, I can be sure of that. I am looking forward to spending time with my friends and family, especially my brand-new granddaughter, Avelyn, and my soon-to-be-born grandson. I\u2019ve been blessed the whole way around in my life and I can honestly say, I\u2019ve gained far more than I\u2019ve given.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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