Work-study jobs they never forgot

Cornell work-study students help make this college run, and they often gain skills they use throughout life. These five alums recall their memorable experiences as student workers.

Victor Furnish ’52

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
Work-study job: First-floor Bowman-Carter janitor

“Men were allowed on the residential floors only for some special event. Despite that, there were times when Mrs. Coleman, the head resident, needed my help with something upstairs, and I had no option but to oblige. Nonetheless—perhaps reflecting my upbringing as the child of a Methodist minister, I couldn’t help feeling that I was breaking a rule! It was rewarding to experience Mrs. Coleman’s kindness, support, and encouragement.”

Keith Ketelsen ’59

Retired healthcare administration executive and commercial real estate agent, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Work-study job: Cleaning at Olin and contracting to clean at Cole Library

“My regular job was sweeping the stairs and doing minor maintenance at Olin Hall. When Cole Library opened in 1957 I went to the dean of men and said their housekeepers would probably like to have their weekends off; and I’d be happy to get some guys to clean the social center [on the library’s first floor] on Sunday mornings. They hired me. I’ve always liked the challenges of being my own boss.”

Ann Archer Harsh ’61

Retired teacher; volunteer, Madison, Wisconsin
Work-study job: Secretary to Professor of History Eric Kollman

“I was assigned to work for Dr. Eric Kollman in the fall of 1957. During the first week he dictated the word honorarium. I had never heard of the word, so I asked him to repeat it a couple of times. Obviously frustrated with me, he raised his voice and questioned, ‘What do they teach you in American schools these days?!’ Upon finishing that session, I went right over to Old Sem and resigned. A couple of days later I was told that Dr. Kollman did want me as his secretary. I worked for him until my graduation in 1961. Dr. and Mrs. Kollman attended my wedding in Allee Chapel to David Harsh ’61 and the reception in Bowman Hall Lounge the afternoon of our graduation.”

Carol Fair Mishler ’70

Retired vice president, Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin
President of the Board, American Recorder Society
Work-study job: Assistant to the Buildings and Grounds secretary

“I helped Director Cecil Thomas’ secretary, Lucille, answer the phone, write up repair assignments for maintenance staff, and set out hospitality for the staff daily break. While I likely developed some skills, most importantly, the job gave me a place on campus where I fit in and was valued. For a first-generation college student, the leap into Cornell can be great. This modest job helped me make that leap.”

Dianne Hugh Freeze ’85

Retired food stylist, Freeport, Illinois
Work-study job: Library circulation and food service

“My Cole Library job gave me plenty of time to read and study, which was great because I loved and continue to love doing both those things. Libraries have always been a happy place for me as they offer knowledge and opportunity for everyone. I also worked at Saga and I remember cooking and sharing vegetarian meals. Three years after graduating I returned to school at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago to get some food science knowledge so that I could pursue a freelance career as a food stylist, something I did for 27 years.”

Did your work-study job impact your future career or life? Let us know by emailing with the subject line: Work-study