Retirement Feature KRISTEN LAAKSO Senior Administrative Assistant, Department of English Kristen Laakso retired as the Senior Administrative Assis tant for the Department of English. For the past ten years, Kristen has been an integral part of the English Department and Wilkinson College. Kristen started her -
time at Chapman as the Department of English’s Adminis trative Assistant. In the years to come Kristen would come to oversee almost every aspect of the department’s administra tive functions. She oversaw the rapid growth and development of both the department, and its faculty and students, into one of the largest departments of the university. Her insight and experience were essential in department programing and sup port. It came as no surprise when she was promoted to Senior Administrative Assistant in 2019. - - - To Wilkinson College, Kristen represented a pillar of institu tional history. Many of her colleagues turned to her for sup port—professionally and personally. Most of all, Kristen’s time at Chapman will be remembered for her kindness. As one colleague wrote, “Kristen helped whenever she could, which ultimately makes our university work. Because she helped me, I was able to give more to my students and to the larger community. I feel Kristen was a partner in these efforts, for she always has the bigger picture in mind. I am grateful to her for her organization, her institutional knowledge, her ability to be an integral part of our department, at the center in many ways… I am also grateful for Kristen’s presence in the office, for creating community, for being there when I just needed to talk through an issue or ask a quick question or share a classroom moment. She was genuinely there. She has the gift of care and gave it freely.” - - Her contributions will always be valued and remembered. Kristen’s hard work, commitment, and dedication are worthy of admiration. Kristen, we are really going to miss you!
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