Eunice Chapman
The 'Go To' Person in Medicine at Rockford by Sabryna Cornish
If it needs to get done, ask Eunice Chapman. That's what Chapman's coworkers at the College of Medicine at Rockford will tell you.
Chapman has worked at the Rockford campus for 24 years, beginning as a part-time employee. For the past 11 years, she has been the secretary in the department of pathology.
She works with both faculty and students, running the department's administrative side.
"The department of pathology is responsible for teaching pathology in the M2 year," she said. "I help the faculty with the curriculum and the labs."
Over the years, she has also "inherited" some pet projects in addition to her job duties.
For the past nine years, Chapman has been United Way campaign chairwoman for the Rockford medical campus.
"Someone asked me if I would help them," she said. "I said yes and have been doing the project ever since."
One of the projects that holds special meaning for Chapman is helping to coordinate the Joan M. Peters Service Award, named after Chapman's former boss, who died in 1987.
Peters, the first employee at the Rockford campus when it opened in 1970, was one of her role models, Chapman said.
"She was quite a lady," Chapman said. "She really was the glue that held the campus together."
Receiving the Watkins Award has special meaning for Chapman. Peters was selected in 1986, but died before the awards ceremony.
The way Chapman juggles her many responsibilities impresses the people around her.
Bernard Salafsky, regional dean of the College of Medicine at Rockford, called Chapman "the model of professionalism."
Her volunteer activities show her dedication to the university and the community, the dean said.
"She is efficient, flexible, accommodating, thorough, committed and loyal," Salafsky said. "She is proud to be working for the university and the university is fortunate to have her dedication."
Chapman's dedication extends beyond the boundaries of work.
As a volunteer caregiver as the Northern Illinois Hospice Association in Rockford, she provides services to terminally ill patients, from doing laundry to walking dogs.
She is the secretary for the YWCA Leadership Luncheon Steering Committee, a community event honoring women of achievements in all areas of business, art, and sciences.
"Eunice is right in the thick of it, spreading her warmth and good humor, ready to help whenever and wherever needed," said Joan Malone, administrative clerk in the department of surgery.
"She follows through with uncommon diligence in everything she agrees to do, but never has to be asked.
"she just knows, it's her nature."
Chapman came across the pond from England in 1967 with her husband, John, who is also English.
She tries to visit her homeland every year for a little peace and quiet and "to have my family spoil me."
When she's not at work or volunteering, she enjoys being with her grandchildren and family. She also likes to cook, knit and read.
Ask Chapman about her accomplishments and she will try to change the subject.
"If Eunice has any faults, it's that she is too modest," Salafsky said.
"If we ever get around to cloning people, Eunice should be first in line."