Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 1 February 2001 — Page 35

The Muncie Times, February 1, 2001, page 35

ROBERTSON FROM PAGE 34 mance, presents herself in a very professional manner and runs the office in a professional manner. She handles all the issues that they deal with there in the Personnel Office, which would be hiring new employees, the transferring of employees, and she does it in a very efficient manner,” Muncie Police Chief Joe Winkle, was in a meeting and unavailable for comment. Robertson says she started at the bottom and worked her up the ladder. Since I was a child I always wanted to be a secretary—I went to school for that...” Her late parents encouraged her in all she did. Their relationship, as husband and wife, were an inspiration to her while she worked to obtain her degrees. “My father and mother were so close.” Robertson believed in respecting and taking care of her parents. So it was difficult for her to concentrate on her studies during the time when her father was ill. She readjusted her priorities to take care of family. Later she completed her education by graduating from Sawyer College of Business in Hammond, Ind. and, later as a non-traditional student at Ball State University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and legal administration. She then earned her master’s degree in human resources via distance learning from Columbia Southern University (CSU) in Orange Beach, Ala., at http://www.colsouth.edu in 1993. Because her work and family life limited her schedule. The distance program option helped Robertson to pace her degree studies at a pace determined by her in the comfort of her home. She set aside time to study, as her schedule allowed. Her education motto came from her mentor CSU, Dean

Poche Waguespack, who told her, “Look, you are never too old to learn:” The Dean recommended Robertson for inclusion in “Who’s Who of America for Public Service” and in “Marquis Who’s Who of 2000.” Asked about this achievement, she said, “Oh, I don’t really care much about things like that. To me, it’s a stepping stone and I don’t have any desire to flaunt something like that.” “I was so impressed by [Waguespack] and his philosophy.” She also expressed admiration for Judge Steven R. Caldemeyer, her former employer when she was a court recorder. She said she has the “highest esteem,” in for the judge who is often seen as a stern figure by some. “He has a great love for people, he’s really a very caring person,” she said of Caldemeyer who has been involved in efforts to help local youths. The judge echoed similar sentiments about Robertson who worked for him for about 6 years. “It gave her something more to do as a personnel director... and I hated to see her go, “ he said. Asked to describe her, the judge said, “ Classy and loyal’ competent, genuine. Those would be some words I’d use. “She’s tough, very tough, in her own way because she’s been through a lot in her life, knows a lot about life. She knows who’s telling the truth and who isn’t. “She just has a good perception on people. She’s a very strong, religious lady, of course. Her first husband was a minister for years and years here. She’s a very competent and good gal and I’ve got a lot of good things to say about ldella...she just keeps hangin’ on.” Asked to recall a special memory in her life, Robertson sat back in her office chair, talking about Dr. William Holme Borders of the Atlanta Wheat Street Baptist Church.

“He spoke at my baccalaureate ceremony from high school. He said, Listen class,...rm gonna tell you one thing: you can be anything you want to be and that includes being nothin’.’” That was most impressive to her and it made a huge impact in the way Robertson set her goals for her life. Also important to her is her work during her 19-year membership at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. She has strong convictions and beliefs about God. Robertson has been the church’s minister of music for most of her time there. Robertson was also general superintendent of the church school. Her closeness to her second husband, James C. Robertson, is also very

important in her life. The couple will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in the spring. “My husband is my best friend, and whatever he likes, I like. We share everything together and God is the one responsible for that, bringing us both together,” she said. Others close to Robertson’s heart are daughter Karen Martin, a cottage manager at the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC), and son Autry Watkins III of Glendale, Ariz. who is a minister and an Internal Revenue Service agent. Robertson’s approach is to take one step at a time. She is adamant about how youths present themselves when seeking opportunities. To her, the most important things anyone can learn are

appearance and first impressions, in addition to abilities. “Skills, knowledge, and ability cannot be taken lightly. And most of all, the best impression is to be presentable and have respect for those who you work for,” Robertson said.

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CUSTODIAL GROUP LEADER FACILITIES PLANNING & MANAGEMENT Affiliated position available immediately. Responsibilities: under general supervision, direct, lead assign, and perform duties related to the routine cleaning and upkeep of facilities following proper procedures and techniques for equipment and cleaning products while complying with appropriate regulations and codes. Minimum qualifications: high school graduate or GED; two years of custodial experience; must be able to read and comprehend all specific policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials information, university policies, procedures, and communications; possess and maintain a valid Indiana driver’s license. Preferred qualifications: Supervisory experience. Starting hourly rate to $13.98 with excellent benefits. COVER LETTER AND RESUME MUST BE RECEIVED BY University Human Resource Services by 5:00 pm, Friday, February 2, 2001. Send or bring credentials to:

University Human Resource Services ATTN CGL Administration Building, Room 350 Ball State University Muncie, IN 47306 Ball State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community.

ball State University.