Our Graduates: Clayton Hobbs

Clayton has been a familiar face around here for a while now, having started with us as a freshman, back in the long ago. His is not just a familiar face, but an unfailingly friendly one. Clayton is very well liked by everyone here at Business/SPEA, and has gone above and beyond for our patrons more than once. It's always especially difficult to say goodbye to the people who have been with us so long, which is the bitter part -- but we also love seeing them off into the next phase of their lives, like Clayton going to work for Hershey, which is, of course, the sweet.

Here are Clayton's own words about his time here:

"As graduation is approaching quickly, it is a great time to reflect on the times and lessons from the past four years. Coming to college has thought me so much inside and outside of the classroom. Studying Marketing and Management at the Kelley School of Business has been a privilege that has provided me with amazing opportunities, amazing people, and an amazing education. Kelley taught me the importance of creating meaningful relationships. The education and soft skills I learned through Kelley helped me land a sales job working for the Hershey Company (Yes the chocolate company!). I will be commuting to Columbus Indiana from Bloomington for training this summer so if you are in Bloomington I will be around!

Working at the library has been a staple of my college career and I could not have asked for better job during my four years here! The library showed me how important it is to listen carefully and understand. My bosses were excellent listeners whether I was talking about ways to better library, or just talking about what I did over the weekend. Their listening helped me feel more at home, empowered me as a worker, and inspired me to do the same for our patrons.

My piece of advice for anyone that has time left at IU is take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom. College is a one-time experience and getting out of the house makes you take advantage of all that IU has to offer. Getting out of your comfort zone socially can teach you valuable life lessons as well as give you some great memories.

It has truly been a pleasure working with all of you! I hope everyone enjoys their time at IU and everything that comes after!"

Best of luck, Clayton! It's been great having you with us.

Our Graduates: Jacob Lucas

Jacob, who hails from the near east-side of Indy, will be graduating with a major in History and minors in both Economics and Mathematics. He plans to jump right back into academia by going to graduate school, and is considering his options as to where to go and what to study. Jacob will continue to work here and in the Wells library over the summer as he plans his next move.

Jacob came to us late in the game, and will have been with us for only a year by the time he graduates. Not that he was new to the library game – Jacob had spent the three previous years working for the Swain library. When that library closed, we happily welcomed him to the Business/SPEA fold (as we did tall Matt and Natalie Wozniak). Even in the short time he’s been here, Jacob has been able to make his mark, having coined a term that will be a permanent part of the Business/SPEA lexicon --

KeyTSD (noun): a condition in which the sufferer is especially attuned to the sound of jingling keys, even to the point of imagining the sound when it isn’t occurring

Here is what Jacob had to say about working here: “Having been at Swain Hall Library for 3 years, I wasn't sure what to expect here at the BSIC. I was glad to learn that everyone was incredibly helpful and kind in helping me get the lay of the land, and I can genuinely say that I felt welcome as soon as I stepped through the doors. It was a great senior year, and a pleasure to meet and work with everyone here!”

We feel the same way! We have been very glad to have you here, and we wish you well on your next endeavor!

Matt Caught in the Act!

In our lost and found there lives a creature made of wires and cables and cords. This creature begins every semester in an embryonic state, gestating in the drawer third from the top -- just a laptop charger or two, and maybe some headphones. Then the creature begins to grow, slowly at first, but quickly gaining momentum as if every newly added item becomes two overnight. In short order the thing in the drawer becomes a monster born anew, a messy morass that inspires dread in all who hear the words: “I lost my charger.”

This corded quagmire has beaten down the will of many who have tried to tame it, some of whom have declared the war unwinnable. Enter (tall) Matt, who took it upon himself to wrestle this rough beast into submission. Mostly with rubber bands and a knack for organization. So, thank you to (tall) Matt, who was Caught in the Act of slaying the Cord Monster, or least dividing it up into many neatly wrapped pieces. 

Our Graduates: Suzy Fritz

When I asked for a few words from our graduates about their time here, Suzy was kind enough to write this lovely response, which I encourage everyone to read. Thank you so much for everything Suzy. We will miss you, but we are also looking forward to you conquering the Big Apple!

"Graduating is very intimidating, but I feel ready to move on and am excited for the changes to come. I studied marketing and professional sales in Kelley over the last 4 years, and my favorite class was my Advertising class, taught by Ann Bastianelli; non-Kelley majors can take this class and everyone should!! I also enjoyed my Compass classes and any classes that taught me about the concept of self-awareness and the psychology behind marketing. I am a nerd about understanding people and why they do the things they do. 

Creative marketing is where my strengths lie, and I am excited to begin working full-time with Macy's in June as a participant in their NYC Executive Development Program. After my initial program, I will be placed into one of the hundreds of Macy's product categories and most likely be in charge of the web design, layout, merchandising, and sales for that particular category. Many exciting initiatives are happening at Macy's and I am intrigued by the opportunity to creatively problem solve while there. I am most likely moving to the lower east side in Manhattan, but I will not know my exact location until just a few weeks before I start because that's how crazy the NYC housing market is! 

I am definitely graduating as a different person than I was when I moved into Foster Jenkinson 4 years ago. Attending Kelley taught me that being different is much more interesting than trying to be like others- people (and employers) notice your authenticity and confidence. Going abroad taught me that at the end of the day you cannot be happy in life unless you are happy and proud of who you are; having an experience that makes you realize your potential and independence is life changing. Being in a sorority taught me that everyone has a story and we are all stronger together. Being a member of the IUDM morale committee taught me that using positivity, craziness, and energy to uplift others is an underestimated strength. Everyone has the power to do something they never thought they could- whether you are a small child, a world-class surgeon, or a passionate college student.

Lastly, working at the BUSP library for the last four years taught me that real leadership is uplifting others- not lecturing them. I've had the best bosses I have ever had here and feel welcomed and valued every time I walk in the door. I work with a diverse group of students who love meeting others and making people smile. The spea lib is my home base on campus: whether I need to decompress in the back room, heat up some lunch, get some of Matt's cookies, or laugh at the quote board, I have always had a space to go on campus that feels like home. I hope that in my future job, I can love what I do and spread positivity to the extent that our management does here. 

My advice is to get involved on campus, try out a leadership position, push yourself to take risks, use your campus resources, and do not believe someone who says you cannot do something. 

Also (and possibly more importantly), Rod Tuffcurls at the Bluebird is always a good idea, Roy's cover sucks but nothing beats the patio on a sunny Friday After Class, Esan has the best pad thai in town, and Yogi's bingo night is a necessity. 

Everyone better say hi before I leave and please please know if you ever have questions you can always reach out!!

With love from a nostalgic senior,

Suzy Fritz"

Kayla Caught in the Act!

We are fortunate in that there is a great custodial staff who come in every night to pick this place up and put it back together for the next day. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help out, and sometimes the library gets really, REALLY, messy. There was just such a night recently and Kayla decided to pitch in and pick up some of the remaining trash before closing. As Sydney said: “Kayla rocks and is always willing to help out and get her work done efficiently.” So here’s to Kayla, Caught in the Act of rocking, and of being generally helpful and considerate.

Student Employee Appreciation Day

This is National Student Employment Week, and Wednesday is Student Employee Appreciation Day! You what that means? Food. We have food for you. Come in to the break room any time today and there will be assorted bagels and snacky things.

You are the face of the library, and we couldn't run this place without you. We see the good work you do everyday and we want you to know just how much we appreciate it. So, from Christina, Jeri, Gary, and Matt, a very heartfelt THANK YOU!

Spring Break Hours

While most of you may already know this, I thought it would be good to remind all of you that, even though we will be open for much of spring break, you will not be responsible for any shifts between 5pm on Friday, March 10^th and 5pm on Sunday, March 19^th. Sunday the 19^th is the day that a lot of people are making their way back from wherever they escaped to for the break, so if you are scheduled at 5pm or later that day don’t forget to either come in to work or get your shift covered. As an extra incentive, if you cover someone’s shift that day you get a full hour added to your time bank for every hour you cover, instead of the usual half hour for every hour covered.

I hope you all have a wonderful time whatever you are doing for spring break, and remember: if you can’t be good, be careful.