Little kids....

Max worked both days again this weekend. He really is enjoying work at Wilson's and that makes me very happy. Last night when asked about his day to work, with a beaming smile he told me two stories -

A little boy about 3-4 years old, saw me on the other side of the coolers. As he picked out what he wanted, he asked me lots of questions. It was pretty cute.

When I was working at the food area a little girl who was about 2 years old dropped her slushie. she was so sad.

I like all the little kids around Wilsons. 

Students

Surrounding myself with 23 amazing University of Iowa students is a perfect reminder of all that is great about being a Hawkeye, what I value about my job and why I love calling this place home. Occasionally (although not during the stress of finals week!) makes me want to go back to college, too!

I'm noticing myself to be a bit nostalgic lately when I'm at work and find myself on campus or surrounded by students, donors and board members who love the UI and hear talk of graduation. Phil's Day on April 24, the presentations and Board member reactions on Friday, dinner tonight, chats with Kaitlyn........ I am grateful for the UI and all it adds to my life.

Phil's Day

Loves when a lot of planning and hard work come together in a fantastic celebration. Today was Phil's Day on the UI Campus. Phil's Day is a day to celebrate (and thank) our generous alumni and friends whose donations make the UI experience remarkable. I am grateful for all the people who helped me make this day a reality - especially for Kaitlyn Kemna (the student who works with me), Lynette Marshall (the UI Foundation President and CEO who supported the vision and all the work), Gary Seamans (our special guest, UIF board member, generous donor, charismatic speaker and a personal inspiration) and Mitch (yes, my husband who supported me each day and all day today). The success came from a village.

Photos and more reflection to follow when I'm not exhausted!!!

Phil Was Here

I rarely talk about my job on my blog. Not because there isn't something to talk about or because I don't want others to know or I hope to forget it. I just don't because I usually don't think about it. Lately though, I'm working so many hours, it seems I should post something about why I'm working so many hours. I won't forget this time but it might be fun to look back on it.

One of my jobs is to oversee the UI Foundation's Phil Was Here(r) campaign. Basically, phil is short for philanthropy and we're working to raise awareness and educate UI students about the impact philanthropy plays in their education. Next week, we'll have the first Phil's Day on Tuesday, April 24. I can barely count the hours it's taken to get here and we still have a week to go and LOTS to be done. It's sort of likely planning a wedding because so many details are left. We'll get there even if I have to go with no sleep starting tonight!

I'm realizing today though how all the hard work is coming together for what I and many others hope will be a fantastic, meaningful day for the university. One so good that it becomes an annual event. We have print advertising, residence hall/IMU/Cambus posters, social media, emails, a video, presentations done... You name it, we're trying it. Today though, I feel like it came alive. There's a story in Iowa Now  and two opinion features in The Daily Iowan about philanthropy and Phil's Day. Wow! It's going to happen.

So many people have worked on this project and for them I am very thankful. I'm thankful for the UI Foundation President Lynette Marshall for wanting to have this day. Thankful for President Mason supporting the idea and committing her time. For Laura McLeran for supporting me. For ALL the people on the planning committee at the UIF and many staff outside the committee. For Kaitlyn Kemna, the student employee who has risen to new heights working on this project. To Mitch for standing by me and picking up more than his usual family responsibilities. To Gary Seamans for joining us for the first Phil's Day and sharing his story about why he gives back to the UI. To the Student Philanthropy Group members who will be the workers next Tuesday. A long list where I should name everyone but won't because I have to get back to work. And I will admit, I am proud of me. I don't say that often and this time, I deserve to say it. I think. I guess I'll know for sure when I wake up next Wednesday!

RAGBRAI 37

RAGBRAI XXXVII is officially over and Mitch is home. We are happy to have him back and he's happy to be home but no doubt he had a great time. I can't really do it justice talking about it here nor should I - Mitch should do that. Mitch probably will keep to himself at least in terms of writing so read Paul Rosenthal's blogging for the week at http://www.ineversignedupforthis.com/ as he's done an exceptional job sharing the story. Paul's blogging shares the humor, the camaraderie, the respect for teammates, the experience in a way that makes me realize how important this week was to Mitch's professional and personal development. When Paul proposed the idea of riding RAGBRAI to Mitch to raise awareness for Project 3000, Mitch took on the idea with his entire heart and made it happen. Paul was behind him and Mitch had help in the planning but he really worked for the team to have a great experience. Given Paul comments when they stopped at the house today and in his blog and the message left by Val (another rider), I'd say Mitch provided an exceptional experience for all. He should be proud of himself - others are and so am I.


Photos - Mitch and Paul, Team Project 3000 with "eyes" on their helmet