Members

Current Members	Representing	Term	Date of Terms
Tina Alonzo	At-Large	2nd Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Sarah Carroll	APSA	1st Term	11/01/22-6/30/24
Heather Dover	APA	1st Term	11/1/21 - 6/30/23
Rachel Duncan	APSA	1st Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Meghan Hill	CTU	1st Term	11/1/21 - 6/30/23
Mary Keyes	CTU	1st Term	7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Emily Khan	APA	2nd Term	7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Kareen Lubas	APA	1st Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Arianna Perrien	APA	2nd Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Lindsey Rose	APA	2nd Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Taren Storrs	APA	1st Term	7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Taylor Unrath	CTU	1st Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Harmony Van Valkenberg	APSA	1st Term	7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Alison Virag-McCann	APSA	2nd Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Rati Walther	APA	1st Term	11/1/22 - 6/30/24
Ashley Wilson	CTU	1st Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Vacant	Labor	1st Term	7/1/22 - 6/30/24

EX-OFFICIO	Department
Jabbar R. Bennett	Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Christina K. Brogdon	Human Resources
Jaimie Hutchison	WorkLife Office

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WACSS Member Features

• Member Feature: Tina Alonzo

  Tina Alonzo (she/her)
  2021-2022 Vice Chair, 2020-2022 APA Member

  How long have you been with MSU?

  One year.

  Do you volunteer somewhere? Where, and why do you
  give your time there?

  I recently volunteered time to support the Capital Area United Way Community Recovery Grant as a reviewer to bring a strong equity focus to the process and support COVID-related recovery programming efforts.

  Where is your favorite place on campus?

  Basketball court!

  Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

  Wherever there is hot tea.

  When making a PB&J, which goes on the bread first?

  The peanut butter.

  Why should someone consider applying to be on WACSS?

  It's a great opportunity for professional development, to support continuous improvement in fostering a culture of equality, equity, engagement, and inclusion, network and build relationship, and make a difference by amplifying the voices of support staff.

• Member Feature: Heather Dover

  Heather Dover (she/her)

  2021-2023 APA Member

  Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

  I felt like it was time to give back after participating in WACSS events for many years. My career path has always pointed towards helping other people and being part of WACSS is one way that I can help connect people to resources that they may find beneficial.

  What originally got you interested in your currend field of work?

  I moved from practicing dietitics to working as laboratory manager because I really enjoyed the science of food nutrition. After some more career twists and turns, I found my way to Undergraduate Research. I plan univeristy-wide programs and events for undergraduates. I enjoy all the energy and enthusiasm that undergraduate researchers and creative assisstants bring to our events. 

  Where is the next travel place on your bucket list, and why?

  Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. That part of my last vacation was cancelled due to wild fires. Caves have such unique features that you can't find anywhere else. 
  

  Tell us who your hero is and why.

  Wonder Woman, of course! So much grace and power.
  

• Member Feature: Lindsay Hasse

  Lindsay Hasse (she/her)
  2020-2022 Labor Member

  Excerpt from Skilled Spartan Women by Nick Schraeder, IPF

  "As an umbrella term, facilities maintenance accounts for numerous fields in the skilled trades, including plumbing. The Labor Department reports that of the 509,708 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the country, 7,228 are women, only 1.4 percent of the total workforce.

  Lindsay Hasse, a licensed plumber..., saw an opportunity in plumbing and took it. 'I was 20 years old looking for a job. At the time I had no idea what plumbing was as a career, and I thought it wouldn’t hurt to learn,' she said. 'It was an accident, really. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.

  'But it is really rewarding,' Hasse added. 'People light up when you’re there. You get to be a hero.'

  While the national trend of women in skilled trades has increased over the years – in some cases by 20 percent – men still dominate most fields. That disparity isn’t lost on Hasse.

  'We can do it,' she said. 'And I feel like I try to prove to myself that I can, more than I do for someone else.'"

• Member Feature: Meghan Hill

  Meghan Hill (she/her)
  2021-2022 CTU Member

  Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

  I joined WACSS to help make sure that the voices of the support staff - especially women - are heard by the administration. I hope that we can ensure that all employees feel heard.

  Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus? If you work outside of main campus, what's your favorite place around your place of work?

  My favorite places on campus are Spartan Stadium and the Horticulture Demonstration Gardens.

  Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

  Since Espresso Royale closed, my favorite go-to is Starbucks and I usually order Pumpkin Spice Latte or Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew.
  

  Tell us about your pets, if you have any.

  Two kitties, Salem (black tabby) and Socks (organce tabby). They are both notorious for making their presense known during Zoom meetings at home!

• Member Feature: Mary Keyes

  Mary Keyes (she/her)
  2021-2023 CTU Member

  Why did you join WACSS?

  I joined WACSS because I want to use my almost 20 years of university experience as a female support staff employee to be a voice for other support staff when creating a work / life balance and culture of inclusion at MSU.

  What originally got you interested in your current field of work?

  I have always found great joy in helping others accomplish their goals. Having been an MSU student, myself, I am able to relate to students in ways most other administrators cannot. Whether I am giving directions to a Freshman regarding how to navigate to a campus building or comforting an upset student who is overwhelmed with coursework, I am happy to help and "be there" for students who may feel alone in their struggles.

  Where's the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

  I have seen so little of the world, but my absolute "DREAM" vacation is to travel to Egypt and see the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of Kings / Queens, the Bent Pyramid, the Step Pyramid, and even participate in an archeological dig.

  Tell us about your pets!

  I live in the original homestead of my family's 385-acre farm in Durand, and we have too many chickens to count...literally! In addition, we have two dogs, Bo-Bo and Bear-Bear (pictured), and they are the loves of my life...after my daughter and husband!

   

• Member Feature: Emily Khan

  Emily Khan (she/her)
  2021-2022 Chair, 2019-2023 CTU Member

  Where is your favorite place on campus?

  A tough choice, but probably the Gallery cafeteria and the Pillar Room (both in Sny-Phi), as I made life-long connections with my best friends there.

  Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

  A co-worker told me about WACSS, and it seemed like a great place to apply the skills and knowledge I've gained while working at MSU. I hope to use my skills in strategic planning, graphic design, and organization to continue building on what WACSS has done for MSU support staff.

  Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

  My two fave coffee shops are Blue Owl Coffee and Foster Coffee Co. My go-to at both is a vanilla latte.

  Tell us about your pets/"new co-workers."

  Working from home has been interesting with the "assistance" of our two cats, Snickerdoodle and Rolo. Snicky will occasionally help with more strategic projects (like writing Bylaw revisions). Rolo loves to be involved in more social video calls, but hides when there is work to be done.

  Why should someone consider applying to be on WACSS?

  It's a great opportunity to hone professional skills, while working with an amazing group of people. WACSS accomplishes so much in a year, and it's an awesome feeling to contribute to that work!

• Member Feature: Arianna Perrien

  Arianna Perrien (she/her)
  2020-2022 CTU Member

  Why did you join WACSS?

  For my own networking, and to provide a better environment and opportunities for support staff.

  Where is your favorite place on campus?

  Anywhere with food. :)

  What WACSS initiative or project are you most proud of?

  The skills training program the TDC subcommittee is working on. I think it's an area overlooked that can provide great opportunities professionally and personally for staff.

  What is the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

  Colorado for the scenery!

  Tell us who your hero is and why.

  My "grandparents." When I was younger, I had a horrible home life, and they took me under their wing when they didn't have to. They weren't related or obligated, but raised me as their own. They have the purest hearts.

  Why should someone consider applying to be on WACSS?

  To make a difference for your fellow support staff members and gain new friends and networks in the process.

• Member Feature: Lindsey Rose

  Lindsey Rose (she/her)
  2020-2022 APSA Member

  How long have you been with MSU?

  5 years

  Why did you join WACSS?

  I was looking to get more connected with the University and expand my networking on campus.

  Where is your favorite place on campus?

  The MSU Dairy Store or the Breslin Center.

  Where's the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

  Anywhere warm! My honeymoon was cancelled so I'm excited to go anywhere with my husband once we're able.

  Tell us about your pets/"new co-workers"?

  I'm still working on campus, so my co-workers are of the human variety, but my fur-children are 2 wild boxers!

  When making a PB&J, which goes on the bread first?

  The peanut butter.

  Why should someone consider applying to be on WACSS?

  Make new connections and learn what is happening on campus outside of our "bubble."

• Member Feature: Taren Storrs

  Taren Storrs (she/her)
  2021-2023 APA Member

  Why did you join WACSS?

  I want to share a voice/perspective for regional staff who are outside of the greater East Lansing area, make a difference for support staff women at MSU, as well as support my own professional development by making connections outside of my unit.

  What originally got you interested in your current field of work?

  I am VERY passionate about Michigan State, it's a part of my professional and personal identity. I enjoy being able to connect alumni back to MSU in ways that are most meaningful to each Spartan I work with, and helping them make an impact for current and future Spartans.

  I'd never admit it, but I secretly love...

  ...hot dogs from the stadium. Not the all beef kind they brag about at Costco, but the ones that I'm sure are like basically cat food, but taste so good with ketchup and mustard and onions at Spartan Stadium watching a home football game! It's gross and terrible, but yet awesome and delicious all at once.

  Where's the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

  Fiji and Australia--life goal is visiting all 7 continents and as many countries as possible. Australia is my final continent.

  When making a PB&J, which goes on the bread first?

  The peanut butter.

• Member Feature: Harmony Van Valkenberg

  Harmony Van Valkenberg (she/her)
  2021-2023 At-Large Member

  Why did you join WACSS?

  I joined WACSS to try to make a difference for women support staff in any way that I can. I hope to make a difference in hearing voices of all women across all campuses.

  What originally got you interested in your current field of work?

  My passion is building strong teams and helping people. I thrive when I have many different projects going. I love that not one day is the same in my work!

  Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus? If you work outside of main campus, what's your favorite place around your place of work?

  If you know me you know I love coffee! I work in Grand Rapids, so my favorite meeting place is Starbucks attached to the Secchia Center. I love to meet my colleagues there (pre-COVID)!

  What was the last TV show you watched?

  Friends. My husband and I started from the first season and are watching all the way through!

  Tell us who your hero is and why.

  My hero is my mom. Unfortunately, we lost her to breast cancer 10 years ago but she was amazing. She was strong, funny and fought cancer for over 20+ years without complaint. She taught me that above all else be a good kind person.

• Member Feature: Alison Virag McCann

  Alison Virag McCann
  2021-2023 APA Member

  Do you volunteer somewhere? Where, and why do you
  give your time there?

  Capital Area Humane Society, because I love animals and can't have them at home; Laingsburg Community Schools as my children attend and I love helping in the classroom; and at First Christian Church I was a former Deacon and member of Senior Pastor Search Committee.

  What WACSS initiative or project are you most proud of?

  As a mom, I appreciate the nursing rooms. As an employee, I appreciate the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award. As a woman, I appreciate the opportunity to have options to participate on campus, and just being a part of WACSS.

  What originally got you interested in your current field of work?

  Realized I enjoyed technology at a young age (11). Was given an opportunity in college and ran with it. Now I have 17 years experience doing what I love. Technology just makes sense to me!

  Why should someone consider applying to be on WACSS?

  The support is amazing. Even if people don't agree, all opinions are respected. It's a great way to try something new, try a different experience, and meet new people. If you were never part of a sorority, this feels pretty close. The bonds and relationships you create may be some of the most valuable to you.