News and Notes, Volume 16, Issue 1. 2006 Fall
Interview: In Focus: Linda Blank
Continuing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Graduate School, this issue of News and Notes presents a special interview series with Senior Administrative Assistant, Linda Blank, who has been with Drew for over twenty years. This interview gives us an opportunity to get to know Linda Blank and her invaluable work for the Graduate School a little closely!
1. When did you first arrive at Drew University? What was it like back then?
L. B.: I came to Drew September of 1985 when Mead Hall was the heart center of all the administrative offices. It housed everybody from the University President, Vice President, Development, Admission offices for all three schools, Purchasing, the Registrar and Business offices, to Word Processing and the Mail Room.
2. What are the biggest changes you now see at Drew when you look back and compare?
L. B.: The face of Drew has changed considerably since 1985. After the 1989 fire in Mead Hall the administrative offices were moved to a temporary trailer park set-up in the parking lot near the Shakespeare theatre. The close knit community of the Mead we had known for so many years was to be no more. The administrative offices were dispersed throughout the campus and Mead underwent a major renovation.
In 1994 we were thrilled when the Simon Forum opened—complete with an indoor track and an Olympic size swimming pool. In 1998 the Shakespeare Theatre was renovated and transformed into the current Kirby Shakespeare Theatre. In 1999 Finn and Barbara Caspersen made a generous donation to the Graduate School, and its name was changed to the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. It was a proud day when the Caspersen School sign went up in front of S. W. Bowne. The most recent additions to campus have been the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts and the Concert Hall at the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts.
A few years back the Grounds Department spruced up the campus landscape with perennial flowers and shrubs. The landscaping around S. W. Bowne transformed it from a cold stone structure to one that is warm and inviting.
Linda Blank in her office, at S.W. Bowne, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies
3. Have you always worked in the Graduate School or did you work in other departments at Drew?
L. B.: My first job on campus was in the Word Processing department in the basement of Mead Hall. The office staff was responsible for typing faculty work—anything from lectures, class hand-outs, dissertation manuscripts to transcribing tapes. Once the faculty members were issued computers the department was phased out. After six months in Word Processing, I moved upstairs to the Registrar’s Office and was there two years before coming to the Graduate School.
4. What is the biggest motivation you find in your work at the Graduate School?
L. B.: Although I would never have the nerve to go through the rigors of a doctoral degree, it is my joy to help others through the process. I love working with the students.
5. From your past experience do you think the student body is any different than it used to be?
L. B.: Over the years the Graduate School student body has remained fairly diverse not only in ethnic background but also in age.
Outside Caspersen School, S W Bowne Hall
6. What is the best thing you like about Drew and the CSGS? Do you have any special moments or remember a special time during your work here at Drew?
L. B.: I can’t think of any other place I’d rather work than here on the Drew campus. I love the Drew community and the campus is beautiful all year long. And being right in the middle of the campus in S. W. Bowne, is very special. Over the years I’ve gotten some very nice pictures of the fall foliage and the flowering trees during the spring time. And there is nothing quite like the campus during a heavy snow fall—the quiet is almost palpable. In past years I’ve stayed on campus three different times when a snow storm was approaching so that I could administer comprehensive examinations the next day. I loved being on campus because it was cozy and special to be snowed in here. With squirrels, deer, many different kinds of birds, including red tailed hawks, Drew really is “The University in the Forest.”
I’m pleased to say that I am a Drew alumnae. In May 1999 I received my M.Litt. degree. It was an exciting day when I got to process with all the other graduates down the long path behind Mead Hall.
7. Tell us something about your interests, and other activities apart from the Graduate School work.
L. B.: I have a Bachelors of Music degree and taught elementary music before having children. I enjoy playing the piano, singing in my church choir, hiking, travel, photography and most of all spending time with my grandchildren—Trinity (3) and Jonah (1).
8. Finally, any message or tips for the graduate students during their stay at Drew?
L. B.: Read the Graduate School Regulations, check out the “Key Dates” and keep yourself informed as much as possible. Don’t wait until you’ve written all your comps before deciding on a possible dissertation topic. Students who come to graduate school have a passion for learning that must be sustained and nurtured in order for them to complete their programs. Take time to enjoy what you are doing. These days will never come again.
