Above: Mary Lue Russler, left, retired administrative assistant for the USI Foundation; Bea Purcell, administrative clerk for Office of Admission, Debbie Strueh, accounting supervisor, Debbie Martin, senior administrative assistant for Student Development Programs, and Carol Diedrich, senior administrative assistant for the Business Office display their oven mitt prizes after winning a game at the Secretaries and Associates Club holiday party.
Our History
The USI Secretaries and Associates Club was formed in 1969 for "unity, to learn ideas to improve professionalism as a secretary, and to establish a scholarship fund." Club membership has grown and the organization was able to raise $10,000 for a Secretaries and Associates scholarship endowment. Through fundraisers like bake sales and craft sales, the organization will continue giving $1,000 a year to the Secretaries and Associates scholarship fund.
In 2005 the organization changed it's name to the Administrative Assistants and Associates. But, don't let our name fool you! We changed our name to better reflect the USI staff titles and to include all USI employees.
All USI faculty, administrators and support staff are eligible to become a member of this wonderful organization. The more diverse the membership, the more we are able to accomplish as a group.
Every fall in September, we begin our first monthly meeting with a carry-in luncheon hosted by the membership. Members invite other co-workers to attend and get aquainted with our members and to see for themselves what the AA&A has accomplished throughout the years, and is continuing to accomplish with being an active organization on campus.
Every year during Honor's Week, the AA&A awards two $500 scholarships to two eligible USI students. As of 1990, the AA&A has awarded over $10,000 in scholarships. Applications are available beginning in November and are due by the end of January for the next school calendar year.