2008 Woodie Awards
Dill receives distinction
New student lounge to be dedicated on Saturday
Kaitlyn McConnell
Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Life
A visit to Drury University's switchboard on any given Friday will reveal a face that has graced the university in various capacities for nearly 50 years.
From secretary to tour guide, Darline Dill has created an everlasting impression on countless students, faculty and staff throughout her impressive career.
According to Dr. Allin Sorenson, Music department chair, the biggest consideration when deciding how to honor Dill for her many years of service was determining "what is something that we could do to honor her importance to the students."
When plans evolved for the addition of a student lounge in O'Bannon, faculty decided that there was one person who deserved the honor of its dedication.
"Darline was a very stable and grounding element of the Music department for a very long time," Sorenson said. "We are thrilled to be able to dedicate this student lounge for the people for whom she meant so much."
The lounge, which actually opened several weeks ago, is located on the main floor of O'Bannon. Though primarily intended for music students, everyone is welcome to utilize the facility to "do homework, have lunch, or just crash," Sorenson said.
A formal dedication and ribbon cutting of the lounge is scheduled as a part of Drury's alumni activities this weekend. The ceremony, which will be held in the new lounge, is open to the public and will begin at 2 p.m.
Dill's connection with Drury dates back to 1957, when she began her career at Drury in the president's office. She worked there for two years, until she decided to quit and take time off to raise her family.
She was not, however, destined to stay away. In 1969, she returned to work and fulfilled various positions within campus until she was transferred to the Music Department in 1970. In 2007, Dill wrapped up a career of over thirty years as secretary of the Music department.
While employed in the office of the Music department, Dill did much more than simply hold a place behind a desk; she was a mentor and friend to all who knew her.
Though Dill officially retired last year, she did not leave Drury completely behind.
In addition to working as Drury's switchboard operator every Friday, Dill also fulfills another post on campus as the resident tour guide. Stories such as the ghost of Clara Thompson Hall, the legend behind Toby the campus skeleton, and the Naked Man of Sunderland Field have all been included at one time or another. The tours, prominently geared as a "staff orientation" to Drury's campus include a glimpse of the various buildings on campus and the history behind them.
"I know a lot of the little things that make [the tour] interesting," Dill said.
In regard to her time spent at Drury, Dill has only one thing to say.
"I'm totally committed to Drury," she said. "It's a great place to work."
From secretary to tour guide, Darline Dill has created an everlasting impression on countless students, faculty and staff throughout her impressive career.
According to Dr. Allin Sorenson, Music department chair, the biggest consideration when deciding how to honor Dill for her many years of service was determining "what is something that we could do to honor her importance to the students."
When plans evolved for the addition of a student lounge in O'Bannon, faculty decided that there was one person who deserved the honor of its dedication.
"Darline was a very stable and grounding element of the Music department for a very long time," Sorenson said. "We are thrilled to be able to dedicate this student lounge for the people for whom she meant so much."
The lounge, which actually opened several weeks ago, is located on the main floor of O'Bannon. Though primarily intended for music students, everyone is welcome to utilize the facility to "do homework, have lunch, or just crash," Sorenson said.
A formal dedication and ribbon cutting of the lounge is scheduled as a part of Drury's alumni activities this weekend. The ceremony, which will be held in the new lounge, is open to the public and will begin at 2 p.m.
Dill's connection with Drury dates back to 1957, when she began her career at Drury in the president's office. She worked there for two years, until she decided to quit and take time off to raise her family.
She was not, however, destined to stay away. In 1969, she returned to work and fulfilled various positions within campus until she was transferred to the Music Department in 1970. In 2007, Dill wrapped up a career of over thirty years as secretary of the Music department.
While employed in the office of the Music department, Dill did much more than simply hold a place behind a desk; she was a mentor and friend to all who knew her.
Though Dill officially retired last year, she did not leave Drury completely behind.
In addition to working as Drury's switchboard operator every Friday, Dill also fulfills another post on campus as the resident tour guide. Stories such as the ghost of Clara Thompson Hall, the legend behind Toby the campus skeleton, and the Naked Man of Sunderland Field have all been included at one time or another. The tours, prominently geared as a "staff orientation" to Drury's campus include a glimpse of the various buildings on campus and the history behind them.
"I know a lot of the little things that make [the tour] interesting," Dill said.
In regard to her time spent at Drury, Dill has only one thing to say.
"I'm totally committed to Drury," she said. "It's a great place to work."
Article last update: 9/23/08 at 7:36 PM CST
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