Commencement, a victory for Artis

Since she was a child, Danielle Artis, senior administrative associate in the USI Foundation, has loved the classroom. "I've always wanted to be a teacher. I love the school environment - the smell of paper and erasers - and, of course, learning," she said. She hopes to one day teach at the college level, and with her upcoming graduation, and a bachelor's degree in history, she is one step closer to fulfilling that dream.

Artis, grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois, and earned an associate's degree in computer information systems from Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, in 2001. After working a job which left her stressed out, she decided to further her education in hopes of finding a career she loves. She enrolled in classes at Ivy Tech, but when she began working at USI in 2008, David Bower, president of USI Foundation, encouraged her to take classes at the University. Over the past six years, she has enrolled in classes part-time, majoring in history with a minor in psychology.

Family, friends and co-workers have cheered her on along the way. Mary Ann Bernard, senior administrative assistant in the USI Foundation, calls Artis "a strong, independent and determined young woman" who is a "calming influence" on her. Bower says Artis has been an asset to the USI Foundation and to the University. "She has a strong work ethic along with a friendly and easy going personal demeanor. She is a witness to the value of higher education. We have seen her stay late and arrive early to study. We are happy for her as she achieves her dream of earning the baccalaureate degree," he said.

Artis processes gifts and pledges bequeathed to USI Foundation, and said that being both an employee and a student has given her a deeper understanding of the University. "The experience has been wonderful for me, both in the work environment, as well as the classroom," she said. "I get to see it from both angles and understand how the University has impacted so many people's lives."

Outside of work and the classroom, she is active on campus as a member of Staff Council on the Employee Relations Committee and Ambassadors Committee, as well as participating in recreational sports, such as volleyball and pickleball with USI colleagues. Off campus, she is active with the church she attends, Bethany Apostolic Church, in her role as publication secretary, along with teaching Sunday school and singing in the Praise Ministries. Juggling work, school and other responsibilities has made her a "master multi-tasker."

There are possible future plans to pursue a master's degree, but for now, Artis is looking forward to a well-deserved break. While the master's degree may be on the back burner, Artis plans to take professional development courses through Outreach and Engagement. She feels we all should consider ourselves lifelong students to keep our minds fresh.

"I believe everybody is teachable," said Artis. "Anything uncomfortable is memorable, and you have to make it through those uncomfortable situations with the right attitude, so you no longer focus on the challenge; you enjoy the victory."