Miss Tonya Lives for Student Tenants
Becky Lundblom
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Tonya Dow, recipient of this month’s You Make a Difference Award, thinks of Emporia State University as her second home.
“I love the sincere overall support, which includes personal as well as professional that is extended to all students, staff and faculty here at ESU,” Dow said. “I work with the best people in the world and am very blessed to call ESU my second home.”
Dow has worked at ESU for 16 years, as office manager in the Department of Residential Life, has made a difference to all around her. She has contact with nearly all students in the residence halls and in ESU Family Housing.
“I don’t believe there is a tenant in the apartments that can’t say they know ‘Miss Tonya,’” said her nominator, Craig Reinehr, director of residential life. “She is incredibly patient and helpful to the population of international students that populate the apartments and the residence halls.”
Dow said she finds many aspects of her job rewarding. She lists “assisting with the successful achievements of all ESU students, faculty and staff, as well as assisting to ensure the safety and comfort level of our student residents as they seek to accomplish all of their goals while here at ESU.”
As for advice to others who want to make a difference, Dow said, “Assist in all that you can within your capacity while staying focused on the overall success of our student body ... team members ... as well as the extended community.”