Staff Update

By Lin Koch (Photo by Tim Hanger)

If you haven’t met Debra Guild, Administrative Assistant of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute office, you should, and when you do, you’re in for a treat. Debra’s enthusiasm for Osher is contagious!

Jane Dowrick, Director of the Osher Institute, says of her, “Debra is on the front line of the Osher Institute, greeting every member and prospective member and helping them with any and all questions and needs they may have. She is genuinely interested in all of our members and through her conversations with them, she helps them to discover Osher classes they may be interested in taking and topics which may encourage them to lead a class. Behind the scenes, Debra is adept at managing all the many details related to enrolling and renewing Osher memberships and Osher course registrations.”

Debra has been with Osher since its inception in 2004. Her favorite part of  the job is interacting with members and facilitators. She has great organizational skills that are critical to keeping the many details of her position in order. This assures great customer service to all our members.

Debra came to the University of Richmond after completing a temporary position at the Virginia House of Delegates. Her husband, who works at the University, encouraged her to apply for the position. She knew that this would be a terrific fit for her, allowing her the opportunity to both hone her own skills and at the same time meet many interesting people.

Before coming to the University and beside her work at the House of Delegates, Debra worked in the retirement community industry in Richmond, Henrico and Mechanicsville. She is an active volunteer in our community which includes volunteering at her church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church in historic Ginter Park. During her down time, Debra enjoys reading and spending time with husband, Henley, and their children, Molly and Henley, both of whom attend college here in Richmond.

Debra told me that she loves every aspect of her job, especially working with our members. So give her a call, send her an email, and see for yourself how kind, caring, concerned and efficient Debra is. I did, and I am delighted that I did!