COLUMN: CM Life loves you, Pam
Pamela Rowland
Breakfast burritos. Beautiful handmade jewelry. Bright smile.
That’s what came to mind when I learned our beloved office mother had died.
Pamela Rowland served as Central Michigan Life’s secretary for more than half of her 32 years working on campus until her retirement on April 30, 2014.
While in her 20’s, she began part-time in the newsroom helping out with administrative duities on Aug. 26, 1981.
Pam loved working, but more importantly she loved every student that became a member of the Central Michigan Life family.
She didn’t have any children—every one of her students was like a child to her.
For editors, spending 40-50 hours a week in the newsroom becomes the norm. As a result, the office becomes a home away from home.
As all good moms do, Pam kept our fridge stocked and often cooked meals for us.
Her meals began as a celebration for the last print edition of the year.
Soon, a feast was delivered the first day as well, followed by holidays.
The first election night I spent in the newsroom was decorated by her complete with streamers and a cake shaped like the Capitol. Cakes, brownies, and all sorts of baked goods found a home on the kitchen counter.
She loved cooking for us, and enjoyed seeing other people enjoying themselves.
I remember my first time devouring her homemade cooking. It was my first Sunday shift as a page designer in 2011. I walked over to the water cooler, and noticed a red wagon parked in the kitchen.
It wasn’t just any red wagon—it had a big crock pot and a large tupperware container.
I had only been working here for a few days, but long enough to know to eat before my 5 p.m. shift started.
“Oh, hi! You’re new right? I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Pam,” she said as she handed me a bag of hamburger buns. “Do you like sloppy joes? I made some up. I hope you do. I made pasta salad, too, if you don’t.”
Two plates later, my editor, Eric Dresden, came over to my desk.
“Nice! You grabbed some of Pam’s cooking,” he said. “She’s the best.”
Eric was the first person I texted after I had found out we would never see her smile again.
She always had a smile on her face, and could always put one on mine.
Pam was the most selfless person I’ve ever met.
Shortly before her retirement in 2014, she created bracelets for most of the editorial staff. She let me in on her secret project, asking my input every time I walked by her desk.
A leather strap with a metal oval reading “CM LIFE” was given to the men, and for the women, my wrists acted as her mannequin as she admired her own handiwork.
“Can you help me double check the names I wrote down? I really don’t want to forget anyone,” she asked.
Before Pam, I always thought gifts were received at retirement, not given away.
When we found out Pam passed away, CM Lifers who knew her were all in shock.
It only took a few minutes for word to spread to almost everyone Pam cared for. Facebook statuses popped up, memories were shared, tears were shed.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 21 at Clark Family Funeral Chapel, Lifers near and far will be coming together to celebrate and share memories of the woman who always kept us under her care.
In 1995, she earned a Certificate of Accomplishment from the CMU Connections Quality Service Training Program, and in 1996, she was nominated for a staff excellence award from Central Michigan University.
Pam enjoyed visiting Mackinaw Island and collecting Titanic and JFK memorabilia.
She was very fond of animals, a shark enthusiast and leaves behind her two cats—Navarre and Isabeau.
Memorial contributions may be made to H.A.T.S. (Humane Animal Treatment Society).
Thank you, Pam.
For everything.
