Jean Purtell has “Just Jean” written on a sign outside her Union office. As the Operations Coordinator of the Student Union, Purtell continually attempts to meet the needs Rensselaer students and Union workers. She explained that if everything were going well in the Union, no one should know that someone does her job.
Her occupation incorporates many aspects. Purtell helps schedule rooms, schedule events, create the right environment for students, assist with special events, and listen to complaints. Purtell described her job as “one minute I am in the McNeil room for a gala, and the next, in the Union basement looking at a leaking pipe.” It is a job full of suprises.
On a more personal level, Purtell enjoys her job and role in the RPI community. She gets to know students at different levels. She states, “I know RPI students are hard workers, but I am also blown away by their amazing talents in writing, art work, and performances.” Purtell appreciates how open students are about their cultures.
Through her different exposures to the students, Purtell is able to get a better sense of what the students need. She truly enjoys the annual Student Appreciation Dinner, where she loves serving all the students that have been so helpful to her.
One interesting title Purtell has recently acquired is that of Alpha Phi Omega’s Meanest Man on Campus. She stated that she is always happy to help with APO’s fundraisers.
Purtell enjoys and truly feels blessed with her job. To her, helping the students and the community does not feel like a duty. With the dynamic community of RPI, she never knows what to expect when she enters her office at the start of the day.
Because of the work she does in the Union with such enthusiasm, Jean Purtell is nominated for the Poly Person of the Year.
