Sarah Akemon has been named the Employee of the Quarter at IUPUC for Q4, 2022. Since the beginning of 2016, IUPUC has recognized an employee every quarter for contributions made that go above and beyond regular work responsibilities.
In her role as Student Services Coordinator in University College, Akemon provides assistance throughout the enrollment process and offers useful resources so that students succeed on their path to earning their degree. In addition to supporting University College, Akemon has assisted the Office of Communications and Marketing with keeping the IUPUC website up to date with the most accurate information and pertinent resources for those seeking UCOL’s services.
Though Akemon joined IUPUC as a staff member during the Winter Break of 2021, it was not her first time being on campus. “I attended IUPUC as a student for three years, from 2008-2011, and then finished my degree at IUB. When I was ready to leave the Opera/Ballet and come home to Columbus, it felt great to be able to come home to IUPUC as well.”
Prior to returning to campus, Akemon served as Wardrobe Supervisor for the IU Jacobs School of Music Opera & Ballet Theater. “Traditionally, after costumes are built the Wardrobe Supervisor takes over for the run of the show. However, I did a lot of building as well leading up to shows. Corsets are my favorite garment to pattern and build because each one is such a highly engineered structure.”
Akemon hit the ground running in her current role, gaining the praise of IUPUC students, faculty and staff alike. “Sarah has organized the recent orientations for new students and parents. As a faculty member presenting in multiple parent Q&A panels, I received a reminder from Sarah beforehand with the questions and reminder of the location and other helpful info before nearly every orientation. That level of detail and professionalism just puts everyone at ease and is so helpful. Moreover, she was literally the queen of the spring fling (wearing a crown!) and always brings her calm and fun energy. I am so glad she’s at IUPUC!” said her nominator.
When asked what drives her to positively impact student success at IUPUC, Akemon responded, “It is wonderful to be part of the community at IUPUC. It is a privilege to do this meaningful work of supporting our students. I love to be able to help people and it brightens up my day when I can help a student resolve a problem or overcome an obstacle.”
Outside of being a great Student Services Coordinator, Akemon cares for animals including rats, rabbits, gerbils, a cat, and a dog. She also has an array of hobbies, some of which take her around the country. “I hiked a short (60 mile) section of the Appalachian Trail this spring through the Roan Highlands in TN/NC and I’ll be headed off in a few weeks to do a longer (150 mile) section.”