University of Southern Indiana

I was born and raised in Evansville. I left after high school to attend Indiana University. I stayed in Bloomington for 12 years, and moved to Indianapolis to pursue professional opportunities. (See below.) I returned to Evansville in 1998.

I am second generation Hungarian; my maternal grandparents immigrated in 1917. I know a sprinkling of Hungarian, but mostly commands like 'sit', 'be quiet', and 'wash the dishes'. I have a great interest in the history of Hungary and my mother's family's past. It is a favorite hobby of mine to research both the history of the country and my genealogy.

My father's family came to the States from England a long, long time ago (translated; I've been researching it but have not found out when or from where they came to the U.S.) All I know is where my paternal Great Grandparents were born, so I know that I am half Hungarian; half Kentuckian.

From Political Scientist to Health Care Administrator; a cautionary tale.

My story and history might confuse the casual reader. I began my collegiate career as a Political Science major, and earned undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Women's Studies from Indiana University. Yet I am now, and have been for some time, a health care administrator. How the heck did that happen?

Over twenty years ago, I had anticipated furthering my post-graduate education so that I could ply my trade in political science studies, with an emphasis on women and children's health.

My career path took me in a completely different direction. My first job after graduation was as a program director for the Area 10 Agency on Aging in Bloomington, Indiana. My goal and focus was on improving the plight of our senior population. What I learned was that there were major disparities between the health care of older women and men. THAT set me off.

When the professional opportunity presented itself, I turned to the political situation of women and children who lived in poverty. I ended up working for the (at that time named) Indiana Welfare Department. I became a caseworker for the Department, and eventually earned my Certification as a Foster Parent Trainer.

I became so disenchanted with the 'system', (which, I must say, has improved immeasurably) that I accepted a position as a department head for an agency that served low income cancer patients. I just kept coming back to the truism that low income people do not have equal access to health care as do many other populations.

I then took a position with an organization that served women and children who were homeless due to domestic violence. My combined education in politics and women's studies, coupled with my professional experiences in health care, led me to focus my efforts on designing and administering health care programs that would benefit women and the poor.

Next stop; Executive Director of the AIDS Resource Group of Evansville. During my time there, I encountered the political forces at work regarding the disease as well as the increasingly disproportionate incidence of HIV in the populations of women, minorities and youth. I was also struck regarding the paucity of prevention information directed toward those most at risk and the political influences that often serve to curtail the dissemination of prevention information, which is the only vaccine we currently have at hand.

Mine is a 'cautionary tale' in this sense; do not allow a singular focus on a major or degree or area of study to blind you to other life influences that might inform and shape your professional path. My fervent hope is that as students plan their careers, they will remain open to the opportunities that are presented to and appeal to their interests and passions. I started off as a Political Scientist, and remain one to this day. Politics and health care are inextricably intertwined. I hope that as students plan their careers, they will keep an open mind, embrace opportunities and follow their hearts.

HOBBIES

Gotta read, gotta read, GOTTA read. (Those of you old enough will understand the [mis] quote.) I also greatly enjoy travel, needlepoint (it's my therapy) and researching the American Civil War. (Yes, call me nuts. I am a dedicated pacifist, but find the Civil War a tremendous lesson in why we fight for what we care about.)

PHOTOS

My kids:
Eleanor (the dog) and
Purkins (her cat).
Pets behaving well.

Pets behaving badly.

Love to travel and experience the thrills.
(taken in Puerto Viarta, Mexico)