Kari Spurgeon has been named Employee of the Quarter at IUPUC for first quarter 2023. Since 2016, IUPUC has recognized an employee every quarter for contributions above and beyond regular work responsibilities.
Spurgeon is an Academic Advisor in University College, as well as an instructor for first-year Engineering students, and is responsible for the Peer Mentor and 21st Century Scholar programs at IUPUC. “I really enjoy helping students,” she said. “I tell them that everyone in the building wants them to be successful, and that we’re all on the same team.”
She recently had a guest speaker in her class who mentioned several times how meaningful her internship during college had been. That inspired Kari to make sure IUPUC students had access to an internship fair. Knowing there wasn’t a dedicated Career Services person at the time, she stepped in to make it happen.
“Kari did a major service for our students this fall by making an internship fair accessible to them,” her nominator said. “Kari identified the need among students in her first-year seminar course and took the initiative to make it happen. She collaborated with Ivy Tech, and local employers, then worked to advertise this opportunity to our students. In the end, our students did have and take advantage of a Fall internship fair because she took the extra time to go above and beyond.”
The fair was well attended, Spurgeon noted, and she got excellent feedback from participants. “I was very impressed with the students who participated in the Career Fair. They were prepared, well spoken, shook hands and were very engaged. I’m so glad we participated,” said Robin Gassaway, Talent Acquisition Coordinator at SIHO Insurance.
The nominator also mentioned Spurgeon’s great attitude and willingness to help even when a task isn’t in her assigned job description, such as attending Student Affairs events and presentations to show support for other staff, faculty, and students. She also volunteers to assist with events such as the holiday meal giveaway, Crimson Pride days, and Welcome Week events.
Spurgeon has been with IUPUC since 2019. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and running their farm. She lives on a farm that’s been in her family for more than 100 years, where they raise beef cows and grow corn and soybeans. She also likes to read and is just getting into hiking.