In mathematics, a constant is a fixed and well-defined value. For the past 30 years, Susan Winstel has been Carlow University’s constant in Enrollment.
“Before coming to Carlow, I was in retail for 10 years until the store closed,” she said. “I was working with an employment agency to find my next job. All I knew was I didn’t want to work in retail any longer and I liked working with people.”
When the agency suggested she consider higher education and Carlow, she agreed to go on the interview. Her sales background was viewed as an asset and, as she says, “The rest is history.”
Susan says Carlow’s campus has changed greatly in her 30 years of service. For one thing, A.J. Palumbo Hall of Science and Technology was still on the campus’ wish list when she arrived. University Commons was still known as Grace Library, and the Admissions Office hadn’t undergone any of its renovations.
“There have been a lot of good physical changes over the years,” she said. “Even on the academic side, there have been new programs that really prepare our students for careers.”
What hasn’t changed through the years is a source of pride for Susan.
“I’m proud of the work we do as a university in giving students the opportunity to go to college,” she said, adding that part of that opportunity may be finding practical solutions to any obstacles that a student might have. “In Admissions, we make an effort to help students get admitted and further their education.”
She said there is a lot of energy and strategic planning that goes into bringing a new student to campus, and there’s a tremendous amount of teamwork behind the scenes.
“I’m sure it can be said about a lot of offices at Carlow, but I really appreciate the way our entire office works as a family unit,” she said. “We depend on each other and support each other.”
If it ever needed to be emphasized, the amount of support became readily apparent to Susan during the difficult year she had after losing both her mother and husband in just a few short months. She said that so many people – from the Sisters of Mercy, to folks in other departments, but especially her colleagues in Enrollment – were there for her when she needed it most.
“I am so appreciative of Carlow and what it has done for me on a personal and professional basis,” Susan said. “It has been more than a job for me. I just want to say thank you for giving me an opportunity for so many wonderful years.”
