Jillian Smith will leave Friday to start a new job at Concordia University
Jillian Smith, left, visits with students at her farewell gathering on Wednesday, Oct. 24 in St. Mary’s Student Center. Smith has worked with UP’s Campus Program Board and all University recognized student clubs, as well as helped wtih Orientation. After four years, Smith will leave UP on Friday, Oct. 26. (Giovanna Solano | The Beacon)
By Lydia Laythe, Staff Writer laythe16@up.edu
Jillian Smith, UP's assistant director of student activities, will leave the University Oct. 26, after working with Pilots for over four years.
Smith advises the Campus Program Board, spring and fall Orientation, and all University-recognized student clubs. Her accomplishments including advising students on events such as CPB weekend movies, Pilots After Dark, and last fall's Macklemore concert. She will leave UP for Concordia University in Portland.
At Condordia, Smith will join the School of Management, helping match students with internships. Smith says she enjoyed her time at UP, and didn't take her decision to leave lightly.
"Of course I'm going to miss it here, leaving will be bittersweet - still, my commute is only changing from three minutes to 10," said Smith.
Jeremy Koffler, director of student activities, says Smith has been a good fit in the office, and has a great approach to advising the students.
"She brings a sense of personality to the role, and she's a great organizer and communicator - if someone has blinders up to the big picture, she'll remind them of it," said Koffler.
Koffler said that Smith is the reality check for the students she advises. Koffler says that Smith has a trademark phrase that serves as her unique way of advising the students on issues that may have overlooked.
"She's really honest and appropriately blunt. What she says is 'So do we need to have an awkward conversation?,'" said Koffler.
Sean Ducey, the director of CPB, has worked with Smith since joining CPB and has been advised by her on all CPB projects since becoming director. Ducey says that Smith really cares for the students she advises and is easy to relate to.
"Jillian is always there for CPB - she's put in countless hours," said Ducey.
Ducey thinks that whoever replaces Smith will have big shoes to fill.
"Any question we have, any advice we might need Jillian will answer. She's done a fantastic job," said Ducey.
Senior Manny Aquino has worked with Smith throughout his time at UP, doesn't think he would have done nearly as much with student activities if it weren't for Smith.
"I don't think you'll come across any student on campus who will have anything negative to say about her," said Aquino.
Koffler is unsure who will replace her, but expects her position to probably be filled by the spring semester.
