The end of one semester and the beginning of another are extremely busy weeks for me and I rarely have time, or take time, to reflect on the meaning of things.  This year is different, I believe, because of four events that I attended.  During the past two weeks, I have participated in the Evening MBA end-of-semester social at Jillians, the Delta Sigma Pi holiday dinner, the Kelley faculty holiday party, and the staff holiday pitch-in lunch and gift exchange in my own office at the Kelley School.

At each of these events, I saw Kelley students, faculty and staff enjoying each other’s company and conversation without the usual barriers between us; barriers of grades and rank and program and level.  I saw laughter, joy, and selfless giving.  I watched surprise and pleasure wash over someone’s face because of unexpected recognition he or she received, and the wonderful gift of two relative strangers getting to know each other and the surprising common ground they share.  From blue jeans and air hockey tournaments, to formal wear and professional celebrations of accomplishment and brotherhood, students and faculty and staff put down the business of everyday life and just had fun – together.  From the warmth and welcome of a faculty member’s home, to the crazy corner of my own office, I celebrated with my colleagues and enjoyed talking about something other than work for an hour or two.

Work is what we do, and it binds us together while we are associated with Kelley.  I am proud of the work that I do as a faculty member, and proud of the work I do with the wonderful, patient and talented staff members (including our student employees) who work in the Program Office.  I am very proud of the work that our students do.  But there is a different type of glue that really holds, a tie that truly binds me to all of you.  It is that non-work moment when we share a smile or a sandwich, a handshake or a hug, a laugh, a sudden realization that we simply enjoy each other’s company and we have one or two things in common.  This is what keeps me coming back to work each day, and what I will remember when my career with Kelley is over.

Jane L. Lambert