Alumni Spotlight: January 2006

Degree:
JD'02

Current Position/Place of Employment:
Legal Advocacy Coordinator at Middle Way House, Inc.

Hometown:
Bloomington for the last 27 years

Favorite hangout as an IU student:
Local caves (I became involved in the National Speleological Society, the Bloomington Grotto, and IU Caving Club and discovered many local caves through those organizations.) 

Most enjoyable aspects of living in a college town:
Someone is always learning something, and excited to share their new knowledge, so the stimulating conversations that one can join into almost everywhere.

What dorm did you live in on campus?
I lived off-campus, so I had a house within walking distance of campus, on the near west side. I worked for IU in the Halls of Residence for nine years, so I have worked at almost all of the dorms at some time

Fondest memory of IU as a student:
Discovering the law library as an undergrad. It seemed like the most wonderful place in the world, since one could find the answers to almost any question, if you searched long enough.

Which IU sport or Bloomington cultural event do you enjoy the most?
Caving, which is usually done on private property, with the landowners’ permission only. We develop friendships with the people who own the property and work together to create good stewardship plans to protect the delicate environment of a cave, while allowing exploration, mapping, and research into caverns and caves that may have significant historical and scientific qualities. Besides, it is great fun to crawl through limestone into areas that have been explored by a very few brave souls.

Addition Information:
My work at Middle Way House has made me aware of the great need for more education on the problems that domestic violence creates in our community. Many people consider it a "Women's Issue" but it affects every aspect of our society.

Domestic violence causes economic losses through time lost due to injury, or time spent by abusers stalking when they were supposed to be at work. DV in households with children contributes to reduced academic success by the children and increased rates of drug use and other problems in coping with stress as they grow up.  The courts, law enforcement, and social service agencies spend a lot of time and effort trying to counter the effects of DV, but it is an issue that all citizens should address.

Together, we can help break the cycle of violence in many lives.  There are many opportunities in every community for a person to make a difference in the life of a child or an abused person to help them become healthier, happier, more productive members of our society. By helping others, we help ourselves, our homes, our towns, our country.