The School of Design is both thrilled and saddened with the news that after 39 years of service at Carnegie Mellon University, Receptionist Jane Ditmore will be retiring in July. Thrilled that Jane will be going on to enjoy her retirement, saddened because we’re not sure how the School of Design will function without her.
In October 1982, Jane was hired to run the cleaner/laundry in Margaret Morrison Plaza (MMP) based on her tailoring & dressmaking background. Since the plaza was still under construction, she worked part time in the Parking Office and part time filling and repairing vending machines around campus. In 1983 she stepped into the brand new MMP and ran the dry cleaner/laundry. Several years later she moved next door to the Co-Op Store. Jane managed the Co-Op Store for several years before moving on to manage Entropy until it was outsourced by the university in 2007. For two years, she managed the University Card ID office until fate and our tremendous good fortune brought Jane our way in April, 2009 when she began her illustrious career as the School of Design’s receptionist.
“By far the School of Design has been my most favorite part in my CMU history,” said Ditmore. “I have been treated like family for 12 years. The faculty, staff & students will always have a place in my heart.
“I just knew from the beginning that my heart was indeed in my work!”
The title of “receptionist” tells only a small part of all that she has done for the School of Design. Jane has played a critical role as the first point of contact for current and prospective students, parents, visitors, vendors, service providers, and deliveries. She has been on the front line for phone calls, emails, and in-person interruptions while managing the hub that is the front office of the School. Jane handled daily requests from faculty and staff, including room bookings, catering, office supplies, and equipment loans. She has processed financial transactions, and helped arrange travel for faculty and staff. In addition, Jane has been our go-to person for event planning, Confluence, Convocation, our annual Holiday Party, and Design Week scheduling each semester.
“Jane will be deeply missed, not only for her deep commitment to all that she did in her dedicated role, but for her wonderful disposition, sense of humor, rich laughter, and genuine care for everyone she served in the School of Design and across the CMU campus,” said Bruce Hanington, Head of the School of Design.
Jane will be retiring this summer to a new home in Kane, Pennsylvania, with her husband Greg and their spoiled cat, Stinky.
The School of Design wishes Jane nothing but the best in this next chapter of her life. Jane, just know we’ll be here, missing you, and being extremely jealous of the people whose lives you’ll light up each and every day.