Name: Joyce Doerhoefer
Title: Laboratory Supervisor
Department: Student Health Service
Where are you from? I grew up in Mendota Illinois, a small farming community about 2 hours from here. I came to Chicago in 1985 to finish my degree at Rush University, and have been a suburbanite since 1987.
What brought you to Student Affairs? I had been working at Evanston Hospital in a small lab department that was in the process of being absorbed into the main hospital lab. I needed to find something new. Our lab had NU students that worked for us and I had heard them speak of the Student Health Service. When I saw an Ad in the Chicago Tribune looking for a Lab Supervisor here (thats how you job hunted back then!) it caught my attention.
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 28
What’s your favorite part about working in Student Affairs? The Students! They keep me young. I love hearing their stories of where they’ve been, where they are going, and their future goals. Its also a good feeling to help them navigate through healthcare, often for the first time without their parents.
What recommendation(s) do you have for someone new to Student Affairs? Get out and walk around this beautiful campus. Talk to the students about more than just what you need to for your job. They are SO interesting, and sometimes they just need a “mom” or a “big sister” to chat with.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your career? My co-workers. I have been extremely blessed during my career with amazing “Lab Ladies” that really care about helping students (and me) be the best they can be.
What can’t you live without? My family, coffee, and Trader Joe’s cookie butter.
How do you like to spend your free time? My family enjoys playing and watching sports of all kinds, and we have been NU football season ticket holders for 25 years. We are really good at tailgating!! I bike about 40 miles a week during the nice weather, and when I can’t bike anymore I bake! I am currently teaching myself cake decorating techniques.
What’s your favorite spot on campus? It depends on my mood. The lakefront path on a clear day, the reading room in the Deering library, the chapels, the Shakespeare garden, or Ryan Field on a sold out game day.
Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.