Danielle La Reau began her career at Blackhawk as a temporary worker 32 years ago, quickly becoming a permanent employee in Health Services. Now the Administrative Assistant to the Dean and Division of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology and Transportation, Danielle, who will retire on Jan. 3, has enjoyed a career of helping students transition to college life.
As Danielle approaches retirement, she looks back on her career, her experiences at Blackhawk, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
What was your journey to your role as Administrative Assistant to the Dean and Division of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology and Transportation (MATT)?
I have worked at Blackhawk for 32 years, starting as a temporary worker and being hired permanently after one year. I worked and moved amongst three separate departments and campuses: Health Services, Financial Aid, and, most recently, Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Technology, and Transportation.
What have you liked most about working at Blackhawk?
I have enjoyed supporting students the most. I have supported many students who come in very nervous and enjoyed observing them transition to becoming comfortable with their college experience, making friends, and growing through their learning. I have also supported students who came back to college after many years of being out of high school, ensuring them they are not alone, as there are many different age groups that attend college.
What would you consider the biggest change in your field during your time at Blackhawk?
The biggest change in my field would be the technology I work with. I started out with little computer experience at that time, using technology that is considered very antiquated. I am really dating myself, but some students were not even born when these systems were in place. As the years went on, I learned and grew into each phase of software and college operational system changes and updates.
Another big change would be the facelift of the college inside and out—the programs, the learning methods, and the buildings. I worked here when there was brown flat, wrinkly carpeting and one campus besides Monroe campus—another dating my age moment. I love that there is MyEd Choice, as it has made my educational experience so much easier and more convenient. All these changes as to where Blackhawk is today blow my mind compared to when and where I started.
What advice would you give somebody who’s just starting out at Blackhawk?
It is important for new or current employees to financially invest in a retirement savings benefit, even if it is a small amount per paycheck.
Looking back on your career, is there anything you would have done differently?
There is nothing I would do differently. Each area I worked in helped me grow and learn new things that carried over from one role to another, which was beneficial to supporting students and faculty at each campus I worked at.
What are you most proud of being a part of in your time at Blackhawk?
I am most proud of being a part of the education world. It is an honor to be amongst so many talented people. I have met so many students and colleagues and developed friendships.
What will you miss most about Blackhawk?
The atmosphere with the students and the job itself.
What is something Blackhawk offers its students that you feel other colleges do not?
MyEd Choice and flexible learning methods. It allows students to choose how they attend each class, providing the flexibility to balance school with life and work commitments.
Do you have any plans for retirement?
Life is too short, and I decided to retire to enjoy doing the things I will have time to do while I can.
What is your life like outside of work?
Well, life has been busy with work and school for quite some time now. My husband and I have a camper a couple of hours north, where we really enjoy spending time. We have pets that keep us busy: two dogs, two cats, and one very entertaining parrot.
What are you most excited about in retirement?
I am looking forward to doing what I want when I want, with no time restrictions.