Jaeger sees need first-hand

trevor.kenney — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:57:21 +0000

Judy Jaeger has the type of job that when it's done well, it can easily be taken for granted.

As manager of caretaking at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, her day-to-day duties revolve around coordinating the 51 staff members who keep the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's campus sparkling clean. It's a role that is integral to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's operations, but it's also the kind of position that flies under the radar, simply because it's executed so exceptionally.

Judy Jaeger works with many students who are just trying to make ends meet while pursuing their academic goals.

In a similar way, Jaeger has been a long-time, behind-the-scenes supporter of bursaries, faithfully giving to U of L students in need, year after year. Early on in her role as manager, she recognized that many of her employees were struggling to make ends meet while going to school. She felt compelled to help them.

"Approximately 25 per cent of the staff in caretaking are students. Because of my first-hand interaction, I see how hard students have to work on a daily basis. Scholarships and bursaries make a big difference; some students couldn't afford to be here without them," she says. "If students get help with their tuition, then they can work less and spend more time focusing on their studies.

It's a message Jaeger is taking to the broader ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ campus in her role as co-Chair of this year's Supporting Our Students campaign. Since its inception in 2005, the annual fundraiser has seen more than 650 ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty, staff and retirees contribute more than $1.5 million towards student scholarships and bursaries. And while it's an impressive dollar figure, Jaeger is determined to see it grow larger.

"I want to blow the other records out of the water," says Jaeger enthusiastically.

As Jaeger explains, donations need not be large to make an impact.

"All I want is five dollars a month from everyone on campus. That will be a lot of money in the end."

And while Jaeger encourages colleagues to give for the benefit of students, she also recognizes that the support ultimately has an added benefit for faculty and staff.

"If it wasn't for the students, none of us would be here," she says. "Supporting Our Students gives employees a way to support them. Here at the U of L, we really are part of a strong community where people take care of each other. We work as a great team and are doing a lot of great things by working together."

For more information about Supporting Our Students or to make a contribution, visit: www.uleth.ca/giving.

Jaeger initiates bursary for students in need

trevor.kenney — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:09:45 +0000

You might not recognize Judy Jaeger's name but it's quite likely you'd recognize her smile, and there's an even greater chance you appreciate the work she does.

As the manager of caretaking, Jaeger is responsible for ensuring a clean, safe and attractive campus for students, faculty, staff and our community.

"I came to work at the U of L after 25 years in the cleaning business," recalls Jaeger. "I've been here for two years now and really feel a strong sense of community on this campus. That's something that's always been important to me, so I feel very lucky to be a part of that."

Believing that being part of a community comes with certain responsibilities, Jaeger has always tried to give back.

"I think it's important to give because I have the ability," explains Jaeger. "Being in caretaking, I was always trying to make things better for others by maintaining a healthy and clean environment. I wanted to keep giving but was looking for another way to do it."

Jaeger recently established the Judy Jaeger Bursary, an award aimed at helping students in financial need. The award demonstrates Jaeger's deep appreciation for the sense of belonging she feels at the U of L, and her strong commitment to ensuring continued opportunities for students.

"We have a lot of students who work casually or even part and full time," explains Jaeger. "I see how they struggle and how hard they have to work to make ends meet. It's nice to be able to help students because without them, none of us would be here."

Jaeger hopes her generosity will result in lasting impacts.

"I believe if you help people – especially when they're young – then they could go on to do anything," explains Jaeger. "If you give to students they can make their own dreams come true and hopefully make the world better for the rest of us."

In addition, Jaeger stresses that in tough times, individual donations – regardless of the size of the gift – make a difference.

"I don't think that it matters how much you give," says Jaeger. "If everyone gave a little it would all add up to a lot."

UNews - manager of caretaking

Jaeger sees need first-hand

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Jaeger initiates bursary for students in need

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