Maureen Leonard
Q: Out of everything you're working on right now, what are you most excited about and why?
A: Homecoming, of course! We are planning four different events to take place in one day — so lots of activity. It's been exciting to see the response we are getting from alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends! I'm lucky we have terrific staff volunteers to help make this day a special celebration.
Q: What's one thing about you that might surprise people or that people might not know much about?
A: I served as the tour manager for Artrain USA. I traveled with a staff of six across the country, bringing an art museum and education program on a train to mostly smaller communities. We could easily have over several thousand visitors in one week. (Art and art history were my area of study in college.)
Q: What's the most meaningful or satisfying aspect of your work?
A: Seeing smiling faces at any of the events I coordinate makes the hard work worth it. I also like when we are able to re-engage alumni or friends, both in Ann Arbor and in other cities. Commencement probably holds the most significance for me. Seeing our students complete their degrees and knowing that in some small way I may have contributed to their experience here at the university is very heart-warming.
Q: How do you balance your time between the demands of your work and personal life?
A: I try to get away from the office for a short mid-day walk to give me a fresh start for the afternoon. Getting on my bike as much as possible helps as well. Traveling with family and friends is important for me, too. I'm trying to get back into my artwork, and I like to host "painting nights" with friends — it's a great stress release.
Q: What's your favorite thing about our school and why?
A: Being able to be under one roof in a very sunny building feels great. And with the work I do, I get to meet so many staff, faculty, and students outside of our wing. I'm incredibly impressed by how brilliant our students are and really enjoy serving on committees with them.
Q: Who are the special people in your life?
A: My partner in life, Tom, as well as our daughter, Elizabeth. She lives in Alaska, so I miss her all the time. My mom turned 100 this year, and lately I have enjoyed listening to her experiences as a young woman working and traveling. She was more adventurous than our family knew.
Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be and why?
A: Scotland. I still have cousins there, and our family history goes back a long way in the Highland districts.
Commencement holds the most significance for me. Seeing our students complete their degrees and knowing that in some small way I may have contributed to their experience here at the university is very heart-warming.