Carolyn Hanoski says goodbye after 36 years
On March 20 Carolyn Hanoski, the Executive Administrative Assistant in Academic Affairs, said goodbye to Viterbo after 36 years of service. During those years, Hanoski watched as Viterbo matured moving from a college where the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration lived on the fifth floor of Murphy Center to the beloved university it is today.
She applied for the job at Viterbo needing a break from being a housewife. Before having her children, Hanoski worked; after having her children, she found that she missed working and needed a break from the house, expressing a desire to “talk to someone over the age of four.” Her children were just starting school, and it seemed like a good chance for her to get back to a career.
On Hanoski’s first day, there was already a problem as the babysitter had to cancel, and she had no one to look after her children. After speaking to one of the FSPA sisters on campus and explaining her situation, she was told to bring her children in with her. During that time, she worked in the library. That job lasted about a year before the funds ran out.
Afterward, she received a call from dietetics where she became part of a secretarial pool. There were three secretaries, each who were assigned three to four different departments. Hanoski worked for dietetics and the business department. While working there, she did everything from typing the tests to correcting them. She wasn’t scheduled to work during the summers but usually ended up doing it because there was always work to be done. She kept busy.
From there, she was asked by the dean of the college to begin full time as the coordinator of secretaries. She was a faculty secretary for twelve years. During this time, Hanoski was never evaluated by the dean but by the faculty. Around this time, the campus divided into schools, and she had a choice to work in either Letters and Sciences or Fine Arts. She chose Letters and Sciences.
Hanoski recalls being there when Dr. Glena Temple, the current Viterbo president, was hired as a biologist. Dr. Temple is someone Hanoski aspires to be like, and holds deep admiration for her. It was little pushes from Dr. Temple that helped her learn more by taking workshops to expand her skills.
When she interviewed and got the job in the VPAA office, she worked closely on accreditation for the college. Since she knew what needed to be submitted, she completed a lot of the background work. She states, “It sounds like an easy job but it’s not.”
She also worked to change the contracts for adjunct professors. She didn’t like how they were doing things, so she worked closely with the business, registrar, and payroll offices to change the process.
Hanoski has also received constant support from Viterbo faculty. She says, “They made me feel important, valued. That makes you want to do a better job.” This comradery turned her co-workers into personal lifelong friends.
Dr. Temple was asked to say a few words on Hanoski’s service to the Viterbo community. Their work together began in 2008 when Dr. Temple became the dean. Dr. Temple states, “Carolyn was kind, committed to the mission, independent and funny. When she would see lost students or families, she would walk them personally to where they needed to go. Carolyn knew how everything worked around here, and how to solve problems. She had so much institutional knowledge.” Dr. Temple is grateful for Hanoski’s willingness to learn and build upon her skills. “I’m grateful for her friendship, support and leadership. Best wishes to her in retirement. “
When asked what advice she has for students, Hanoski left with this final thought. “Don’t take college for granted, socialize but make sure that you focus on school. Ask for help, there are people you can go to.” She thinks everyone needs someone to talk to even if they’re just acting as a sounding board.
Hanoski wanted to leave Viterbo with her best wishes and thanks for being part of her journey. She states, “Thank you to the Viterbo community for the opportunity to serve them and learn and grow. For showing me how to be a better person.” When she started the Fine Arts was brand new, Murphy was the main academic building, and the nurses were located in business building. It has been a long journey, and it’s not over yet.