Northcentral University

9 Elaine Willerton Director of Assessment, SSBS One week into my full-time faculty position at NCU I attended the infamous 'first symposium' held at a resort in Scottsdale, AZ, in 2014. No one had any idea at the time, but my previous employer had shaken my confidence, and I was in full "fake it till you make it" mode. NCU was on the precipice of a huge growth spurt, and I really had no idea what I was walking into. At the symposium, I was thrown into work groups with new coworkers, discussing pressing issues, and before I knew it, I was holding a microphone, reporting out ideas for my group. Everyone was energized and passionate and keen to hear my ideas - a sharp contrast to what I had been experiencing professionally for many years. I had no idea that the conversations held at that meeting would spawn initiatives that define NCU culture as it is today. Nor that I would be establishing collegial relationships that would flourish for years to come. This is super cheesy – I felt like I had found my professional home and family. Since then, SSBS has been a space where I have grown personally and professionally. My work family supported me as I grew my family at home through adoption and birth. My family at home supported me as my work responsibilities shifted and grew, sometimes sending me away from home for weeks at a time. And when needed, I brought my family to work. I recognize this privilege of work-life balance and stability is precious, as are the relationships I've developed and the experiences gained. As much as I enjoy looking back at these and many other memories, I am looking forward to new opportunities and all of the possibilities that the future holds. Drew and Lisa! Who knew that the couple in the picture (Lisa and Drew) would be married 1 1/2 years later. This graduation started the sparking interest for both of them. The after- hours event of dancing helped that spark emerge into a flame. It is what we refer to as the greatest memory of NCU graduations!!!

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