I arrived at IUPUI in summer 2008, having worked on July 7 at Purdue University in West Lafayette (where I had been for more than 20 years). On July 8, I began my IUPUI tenure in the Department of Biology as the sole academic advisor for over 600 students.
There had been a gap between advisors, so when I arrived, I was bombarded! I had five student appointments my first day, all of which required financial aid forms. It was hectic, and for a VERY long time all I could do was put out fires.
I had arrived here because I had recently married and my husband, John Roach, lived here. We were married in August of 2007 and John was diagnosed shortly thereafter with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) from complications of which he died in October 2011.
Before beginning here as staff, I had visited the campus several times: once for an advising conference and for several interviews before I began in my current capacity. I was struck by several things about IUPUI:
I have so many memories built over the last almost-ten years. ... I have met and interacted with so many wonderful people from all areas of the institution. And, of course, I’ve helped shepherd students through our curricula and have been rewarded with their success stories.
Jane Alexander, Department of Biology Staff
I am fortunate to have had many opportunities to learn and grow here. I attend many lectures and events, have participated in three Diversity Dialogues and mediation training, have been fortunate to mentor several advisors and students, have been active in advising a student organization for years, have participated in the School of Science Diversity Council since its inception, and now have enjoyed participating in the 50th Anniversary celebration planning.
Among my accomplishments since my arrival at IUPUI, I count persisting in the early phases of my employment when being the only biology advisor while also dealing with my partner’s debilitating illness and death; being nominated for and receiving several campus awards and national advising honors; and furthering the mission and goals of my department and school.
When I arrived in Indianapolis in summer 2007 I was not able to engage much with the community (other than singing with one choir), as working (often 12-hour days) and taking care of my husband was all I could handle. After John’s death I began reaching out, first joining a second choir, doing some volunteering, and beginning to find my place. My current activities include singing in two choirs, doing some solo work, and regularly volunteering at Food Not Bombs, which provides food at the northeast corner of the American Legion Mall year-round.
I have so many memories built over the last almost-ten years. A couple of years ago, participating in Relay for Life on campus, I brought stilts and walked and danced on those — until they broke sending me sprawling! I’ve recently sung the national anthem at several women’s basketball games (and also, earlier at an Indy Eleven game on campus and at an Indians game, both sponsored by the School of Science). I’ve spent countless hours in the greenhouse on the roof of SL/LD tending to flowers, vegetables and herbs in concert with the Biology Club. I have met and interacted with so many wonderful people from all areas of the institution. And, of course, I’ve helped shepherd students through our curricula and have been rewarded with their success stories.
Jane Alexander
Department of Biology Staff
