SAC employee celebrates 20 years

Imagine an SMU without the personal computer. Picture a time when carbon paper use outweighed that of the copy machine.

No, this isn’t a distant galaxy. It was the reality at SMU when administrative assistant Lydia Dale first started her job at the Student Activities Center 20 years ago today.

Technological advances have been the most drastic change Dale has seen in her time here she said.

“The students really haven’t changed,” she said.

Dale is the “foundation of the [SAC] office” according to SMU alumnus Sameer Paroo who graduated in 2001.

“She is probably the most detail-oriented person I have ever worked with,” said Kathy Rowe, who now works in Enrollment Services but initially hired Dale.

Rowe explained that if Dale sees something that needs to be done, she takes it upon herself to make sure that the task is complete.

Rowe said that because of her initiative and attention to detail, it was easy to rely on her to oversee important tasks.

Overseeing registration for Family Weekend is just one of the tasks Dale has taken on in addition to her regular administrative duties.

Registration for Family Weekend was chaotic before it was in Dale’s care, Rowe explained, but there hasn’t been a problem since she took over.

“She does an outstanding job and gives 150 percent to whatever she is doing,” said Arlene Manthey, director of student activities.

With a total of over 21 years employed at SMU, including a previous position held at the law school, Manthey also said that her wide range of SMU knowledge has been an asset in the SAC.

“Her experience always comes in handy,” said Student Senate President Dustin Odham.

As an “M” Award recipient in 2000, Dale has even been officially recognized for her hard work. Paroo, who emceed the event, said he will never forget the standing ovation she received that night because the additional honor was not extended to all recipients.

Dale considers winning the award her most memorable moment at SMU so far.

“For your students and colleagues to nominate you for that award is quite an honor,” she said.

Sincerity, friendliness and a big heart make her an asset to the SAC Manthey said. Rowe said she was loyal and caring.

“She is kind of quiet,” said Rowe, “but she has a great sense of humor.”

Dale said she has no plans to retire anytime soon, which is characteristic of “her great adoration for SMU,” Manthey added. Dale’s daughter, currently a sophomore in high school, is considering attending SMU.

“She has a great adoration for SMU,” Manthey said, “but her first commitment and loyalty is to students.”

Thursday that commitment was evident at the small surprise reception the SAC staff held for Dale.

Even before her cake was finished, she was back to work and answering students’ questions.