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December 2004 STAR of the Month
 

Photo of Erin Rodriguez

Erin Rodriguez, office coordinator for the Political Science Department and Urban Studies Program, practices what she preaches. In her work, she has tried to help faculty and students find the resources they need to do things on their own.

"I have really enjoyed being of service to the students, empowering them to take control of their own education and pointing them to resources," she said. "I'm a firm believer in the saying, 'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.'"

In the spirit of that Chinese proverb, Rodriguez will be leaving the University at the end of this year to launch a limousine service with her husband.

Her enthusiastic, entrepreneurial spirit will be missed as it became very valuable during a time of intense transition.

Rodriguez was hired just over a year ago at the same time Gerard Heather, professor of political science, took on the position as chair of the department. The previous office coordinator left unexpectedly, and Rodriguez, who had been employed as a work-study student, stepped into the vacated role.

"Erin took over the position of office manager for Political Science and Urban Studies at a time when the University was facing a budgetary shortfall and political science was experiencing the greatest increase in students, both undergraduate and graduate, in the past two decades," Heather said. "Moreover, we had just hired five new faculty, all of whom were learning the myriad procedures of establishing retention files, applying for grants and assigned-time awards. The office traffic was continuous and the paperwork immense. She brought an instant professionalism and competence as well as a reassuring demeanor to the chaotic environment. Her charm and good manners, coupled with her professional work ethic, brought stability and her dedication was evident for all to see."

Amita Shastri, current chair of political science, agrees.

"She is very creative and is always thinking of how she can improve the environment in which she and others in the department are working," Shastri said. "For instance, she has put in a lot of time and effort, on her own initiative, to reorganize the department office and student resource room to make them more welcoming and functional spaces."

Rodriguez plans to finish an undergraduate degree in political science this spring. She will also be busy launching her new business. She and her husband Nelson have been working to restore three Cadillacs from the '40s and '60s, and will launch their service in January.

A resident of the Mission District, Rodriguez also serves as a deacon select of the St. John Coltrane African Orthodox Church.

Please join us in congratulating Erin and thank her for making such a difference.

As the STAR of the Month, Rodriguez will enjoy four free lunches on campus, a free parking pass or equivalent in one month's public transportation costs, and more. She will also be eligible for the STAR of the Year award.


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Last modified January 7, 2005, by the Office of Public Affairs & Publications