1. What have you valued most about your association with CUWFA?
   I have valued the close relationships, energy and knowledge I’ve gained from my CUWFA peers. MSU was a founding institution of CUWFA in the early 1990s, and I joined the organization as soon as I was hired in 1997. I quickly ran for the board and served as President in 2005. My CUWFA friendships have lasted 20 years. I have also appreciated the opportunity to serve on various committees, plan conferences and present as a speaker at many conferences.
   
   
2. As you look back on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of? Describe a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
   I am most proud of the Outstanding Supervisor Award I created in 2001 to celebrate the managers on campus who are WorkLife champions and support flexible work schedules. I wanted to draw attention to the best bosses who are genuine and sincere in their concern for the personal and professional lives of their employees. I am also proud of the position I had for over 18 years to support and advise students with children. I cherish the relationships I developed with the students and their families, as we celebrated their successes as they struggled to raise families while achieving degrees.
   
   
3. What are you looking forward to in retirement?
   I am looking forward to spending more time with my honey Bill and my dog Yogi camping, hiking in the woods and traveling. I look forward to having leisure time in my gardens, riding my bicycle, kayaking and cross country skiing. I am excited to spend less time on a computer, sleep in, read books, continue to volunteer in my community, and connect with friends and family.
   
   
4. What advice do you have for those continuing to work in the field?
   Connect with your CUWFA colleagues; they will be your best champions and will understand your role better than anyone. Understand and don’t get frustrated; it takes time to accomplish culture and systems change in University environments. Be persistent, don’t give up, and be satisfied with small accomplishments. Always strive to do what’s best for the people. Feel fulfilled that you can support one person at a time. You‘ll never realize the positive impact you will make on your campus clients. Dance hard and have fun at the CUWFA conferences and take care of yourself and your family!!

Lori Strom directed the Michigan State University Family Resource Center for over 18 years. In this position Lori broadened the scope of the work/life services in support of the family needs of staff, faculty and students with children. Lori currently serves on the Board of Directors of CUWFA, had prior roles on the board for nine years, and was CUWFA President in 2005. In 2005 Lori also won the honor of being a recipient of the MSU Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award.

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