Profiles from the Pack: Catherine Hare

Catherine (Cathy) Hare is in her element at Madison College's Commercial Avenue campus. The space buzzes with the energy of trade and apprentice students and continuing education learners showing their skills in ceramics, jewelry making and art. You can find Cathy at the welcome desk. Just tap on the desk chimes, and she’s happy to help.

You’ve worked at Madison College for more than 25 years, in the School of Business, cultural access, disability services, and now at Commercial Avenue. What do you consider your greatest impact here?
Excellent customer service and a sense of humor are essential. A friendly smile and a welcoming attitude can make or break a student's chances of success and impression of Madison College. Commercial Avenue is a one-stop shop. If someone needs help, I'll be happy to assist, and if I'm unable to, I will find someone who can provide the answer. I’m told I am like the mom around here, and I take my role seriously. So, if you need anything, even a Band-Aid, I’m here to help.

What’s it like working at the Madison College Commercial Avenue campus?
This campus comes to life in many different ways—we have program students, apprentices, outside businesses training their employees, and many non-credit courses, watercolor, upholstery, ceramic and jewelry classes. On any given day, we have probably 200–300 people here. It’s a small, tight-knit community where students feel supported. I work with over 800 apprentices who attend school every other week, work, and take care of their families, so they’re working hard. It’s a great place to work because everyone who comes to Madison College is doing something to better their lives.

What are your super skills?
I wish I had more skills! I've learned a bit of Spanish and American Sign Language. The apprentice instructors even taught me how to rewire a lamp, change a garbage disposal and fix my toilet. And I don't know if this is a skill, but I can talk, and talk, and talk, and that comes in handy when I do orientations with apprentices. My nickname throughout life has been “Chatty Cathy.”

If your life had a playlist, what song would be on it?  
That's easy, "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang. I'm one of those people dancing to disco, classic rock and Motown music in the grocery store.

Tell us about a recent adventure.
I went on a European river cruise with a group of 11 friends. I was really nervous at first because I didn’t know what to expect, but it was wonderful—the architecture, Amsterdam, Brugge, Belgium, the Rhine River, the people. I even made friends with the waiter and still keep in touch with him today. We had so much fun on one excursion that we almost missed the boat — they were ready to pull up the gangplank. When the captain of the ship is standing right there, with arms crossed, you know you're in trouble. We felt so bad!

Tell us about a special moment helping a student.
There have been so many. We had a young lady who had just arrived from China and was trying to find the property management company she was renting from, and there was a language barrier. It turned out that the office was right behind the campus, so I walked her over there. She was so grateful that she began to cry and gave me a big hug. I hope that experience made her feel supported. For me, it’s all about taking a full-service approach to students, helping with all their needs to the best that I can.