Lookin’ at U – Virgie Powers

Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee. Today, we meet:

• Name: Virgie Powers
  
• Hometown: Chicago ‘burbs
  
• Number of years at UNMC: 15

Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.
I am one of two who assist in booking foreign and domestic travel for the 90-plus faculty/staff in the College of Allied Health Professions. My primary function is to pre-audit and process reimbursements for this same group with the result of consistent compliance to UNMC and State of Nebraska policies and procedures throughout the college. The goal is to free up more time for faculty and their support staff to focus on our students at UNMC and UNK, researching, writing grants, and publishing.
  

Accountability is one of UNMC’s ITEACH values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group at UNMC exhibit this value.
I see accountability often weaving from the small office to the ocean of departments at UNMC. In particular, the aspect of resilience, which one Merriam-Webster definition is “tending to … adjust easily to … change.” There are a myriad of changes constantly flowing at UNMC. It is refreshing to work in an environment where many even anticipate and welcome change as a challenge to grow and continue learning.
 

What is your favorite summer activity?
Horticulture, training my new puppy, camping, and hiking (all at the same time, if possible)! My pup relishes weeds flying over the fence so she can catch them in the air and then shake the dirt from the roots!
 

List three things people may not know about you.

• I have an 80-gallon aquarium that houses a 25-year-old Plecostomus named Bob.
  
• My walk to grade school was 9/10 of a mile one way, toting a cello almost as big as I was.
  
• My most unusual pastime used to be spelunking. My most current crazy project is trying to finish the 1,000 piece photomosaic jigsaw puzzle of a monarch butterfly. Each piece has four portions of miniature unique horticultural photographs (over 4,000) that must be matched. Been at it off and on for a few years.