Long-Time Library Employee Provides Little-Known Service to University
Lora Powell: Muleskinner
Issue date: 4/10/08 Section: Features
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A lifetime of teaching
For 26 years, Westerhold was a teacher in many different school districts, such as Odessa, Holden, Raytown and Sugar Creek. She taught a variety of subjects from "kindergarten to the freshman ball team in high school. After that many years, you have to change it up a little bit," Westerhold said.
Toward the end of her career, the schools' standards weren't meeting up to standard of teaching, which lead her to UCM.
"The last few years of my teaching experience, they didn't let you teach. I knew what my kids needed to go to college and they weren't getting that because they were out for too many things. Discipline was a problem, but you couldn't do anything. I quit there one day and got the call from here the next," Westerhold said.
Helping hand
Alice Ruleman, an assistant professor at the library and Ernestine's supervisor, has become quickly attached to Westerhold. They are more than just co-workers; they are friends.
"I think she does a wonderful job. She's committed and enthusiastic. It's a pleasure for me to work with her. I'm brand new here, so she welcomed me with open arms and has been very helpful in helping me learn what I need to do," Ruleman said.
"She likes to party, so we get along," Westerhold said.
On holidays or "just any Friday," the office crew likes to get together and bring in food. Last week, the group had a salad party.
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