Illinois State University will celebrate the 30-year career of Deb Brown ’10, Transfer Day program office manager, on Wednesday, August 31, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Prairie Room at the Bone Student Center. Members of the campus community are invited to attend.
From August 1993 to February 2002, Brown worked in Health Services. In February 2002, she transferred to Orientation and Training Services in University College, first as the Connections office manager (which transitioned to First Year LinC) and then the Transfer Orientation and Registration Day (TROD) office manager. In this capacity, she implemented many procedures that have helped not only traditional transfer students but also military-affiliated transfer students. In addition, this past spring, with the help of others on campus, she helped institute a transfer student scholarship award program.
In 1995, Brown was part of the organizing committee that helped form AFSCME Local 3236, the clerical union that represents clericals, and later, health care support in Student Health Services. Her experience with Local 3236 not only helped in her roles as vice president, chief steward, and steward but also gave her a deeper understanding of labor issues, which helped her assist union members during times of crisis. She served on numerous bargaining committees, working with other Local 3236 negotiating team members to serve the membership in obtaining contracts that helped to provide increased wages and ensure workers’ rights.
For many years, she was the faculty advisor for Needles of Fury, a registered student organization that focused on knitting, crocheting, and other needle/fiber arts. Service projects were completed that included blankets for The Linus Project and hats for various organizations in the Bloomington/Normal area.
She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in 2010 in university studies, emphasis on sociology and a minor in religious studies, graduating cum laude.
Brown will spend more time with her husband, Kevin, their two children, Melissa and Tom, her sister Kay, and the family dogs. She’ll continue being “Grandma Sugar” to her grandchildren, Eva and Royston. She’ll also spend more time traveling, reading, and continuing her lifelong passion for fiber/needle arts.
“I am so very grateful for the friendships I’ve made at Illinois State University, and I know they will continue,” she said. “God has been so good to me and my family, and I know that many blessings are to follow.”
Please join University College August 31 in celebrating Brown’s next milestone.
