In observance of Women’s History Month, Nebraska Today has partnered with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to feature female office/service staff who go above and beyond in their work at Dear Old Nebraska U. This Women of Service series will run every Friday in March.
The 2024 series continues today with Carol Ruwe, housing service senior associate for Housing Facilities-Custodial. She was nominated by Patrice McMahon, director of the University Honors Program. McMahon praised Ruwe for her dedication to the campus community and outgoing personality.
“In addition to her excellent work, Carol always offers a cheery greeting and friendly smile,” McMahon said. “She inquires about how others are doing and remembers the content of individual conversations, following up the next time she sees that person. She makes it clear that she genuinely cares about all she encounters and is quick to help if we have a special need or request.
“Honors is lucky that she is often the first person we see in the morning, and her hard work keeps Knoll sparkling.”
Ruwe sat down with the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women to discuss what drives her to success on and off campus.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from Niobrara, Nebraska, and I have three sisters and two brothers. I’ve lived in Lincoln for 39 years. I am married, and we have one son. I came to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln after my job was eliminated at a bindery plant.
How long have you been at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
I have been with the university for 13-and-a-half years.
What do you look forward to when you come to work?
I like the people I work with and the friendships that have developed over the years.
Student interaction is one of the highlights of the day. I’ve even had students that have moved to another building return just to say hi and see how things are going.
What is your favorite memory at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln?
When Larry Shippen, director of Housing Facilities, asked me to show him how to deep clean a bathroom and kitchen in a resident room. He did complain about having to wear safety glasses that kept fogging up. Many laughs resulted from this training.
What is your life like outside of work?
I have a part-time job. I enjoy spending time with family, watching our son play baseball or darts, putting puzzles together, watching TV and playing cards. I also love traveling back home to visit family.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
If they don’t know, I probably don’t want them to know now!
