Unsung hero: Abby Schaffer

As Abby Schaffer transitioned into her permanent role as college transition specialist, surely she was not envisioning remote work as part of the transition process. Then again, transition support and helping our students from all different backgrounds is what she does best, so it makes sense that she would be able to manage her own transitions seamlessly. Abby’s creativity and spearheading of lots of different programs, including many first-gen student initiatives, the Success@Lafayette remote summer bridge program, countless Zoom sessions with faculty and staff over the summer to welcome our first-year students, and a wide array of workshops and training offered to students throughout the year have kept many students feeling supported and connected to the Office of Advising. Abby is often one of the first people to raise her hand when someone on the team needs a helping hand, and she always does it with a smile. Her energetic approach to this important, holistic work and her positive attitude add tremendous value to our office and the campus. —Mike Olin, dean of advising and co-curricular programs