Congratulations to Erin Laverick (faculty of the month) and Barb Walther (staff of the month)!
Concordia University Ann Arbor students have nominated the faculty of the month and staff of the month for January 2021. Learn more about them below!
Faculty of the month: Erin Laverick
“I still can’t put my finger on it, but there is something very special about Concordia students. They are kind, considerate, hardworking, and compassionate. They are a huge blessing in my life.”
What is your role at Concordia?
Professor of English & Assistant Vice President of Academics
When did you join CUAA’s faculty?
This is my third academic year, I joined Concordia’s faculty in 2018.
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
I see myself as a mentor and facilitator for both students and faculty. I serve as a mentor for new faculty, design and run programming through the Center for Excellent Learning and Teaching (CELT), assist with the PROSPER program.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
Teaching!
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
I can think of nothing better than preparing students to go out into the world and serve others and Jesus.
Read the nominations from CUAA students:
Dr. Laverick is so understanding and always is there for us if we need anything including not school work. She is very lenient on due dates if you have something going on. Overall she is the best professor because she is so helpful and kind to everyone.
Dr. Laverick has gone out of her way to make this difficult semester a little less stressful for her students while continuing to teach. She has been so accommodating to everyone and her communication during this semester has been greatly appreciated. I truly enjoy her class and most importantly speaking to her about anything and everything. She is one of those teachers who you have freshman year but go to her every year for advice and help!! Dr. Laverick is one of the most genuine human beings I have met in my first couple months here at Concordia… Dr. Laverick, thank you!
She will try and help you no matter what you need help with. She always has a smile on her face.
She is very understanding and helpful through everything.
Staff of the Month: Barb Walther
“I have been very blessed in my 20 years at Concordia University. I have been through many valleys as well as many mountains along the way and through it all I have been able to see the work of believers demonstrate their belief that God can do anything in His own time and that we have reaped the benefits of those struggles.”
What is your role at Concordia?
Human Resources generalist
When did you join CUAA’s staff?
20 years ago, in 2001.
In summary, how would you describe your role at Concordia?
I am an HR Generalist who takes care of all Human Resources processing, documentation, problem solving and answering questions. I am the resource for benefit and payroll questions as well as student employment. I also manage the mailroom student workers and oversee the day to day operations. I see my role as a resource and listener for all the faculty. staff and students at Concordia University, and try to give and answer or a solution as best I can.
What’s your favorite part about your role?
My favorite role would be working with all the faculty and staff and creating friendships and well being with everyone. I really enjoy meeting with the new employees and getting to know a little bit about them and to make them feel like part of a family of friends.
Why is Concordia’s mission important to you?
Concordia’s mission is so important to me because it gives me the freedom to live my Christian life everyday without hesitation or secrecy. Concordia allows me to profess Jesus as my Savior and talk to and encourage others to embrace His love for them. It is a pleasure to come to work and be around others who see the love of Jesus being demonstrated each day.
Read Barb’s nominations from CUAA students:
Barb is amazing. She constantly is looking out for others before herself. She takes up time through her day to help others with whatever problems others have. She had such a kind heart and can solve any problem thrown her way. She has been such a blessing in my time at Concordia especially with helping in the mailroom and making time to chat with me.
Barb always goes above and beyond. Not only does she make everything run smoothly whenever she steps in, but she does it all with kindness and love. She shows so much love and respect for everyone she encounters, and I think she deserves some appreciation for all her hard work.
Barb is dedicated to Concordia and is eager to serve.
In case you missed it, check out the November 2020 Faculty and Staff of the month!
— Rachel Thoms served on Concordia University's Strategic Communications team from 2015-2022. Any inquiries about this story can be sent to news@cuaa.edu.
If this story has inspired you, why not explore how you can help further Concordia's mission through giving.