Norma Lucas Retires after 39 Years with the Department of Statistics

08-03-2009

Norma Lucas, Administrative Assistant to the Head of the Department of Statistics, retired in August after 39 years with the Department of Statistics. There was a reception for Norma on her last day, August 28th, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in Lawson Commons.

Norma began her employment in the Department in May 1970 where she was promoted from a Typist I (1970) to an Administrative Assistant in 1989. Among her many accomplishments while in the Department of Statistics, Norma is most proud of being the recipient of the "2004 Special Merit Award" given for exceptional service outside of one's normal job responsibilities. And, Norma has been the United Way Captain for the Department of Statistics for 20 years. Due to her diligent efforts each year, she achieved almost 100% of the Statistics pledge cards returned.

One fond story that Norma recalls is when in January 1971, the Department's head secretary left Purdue, and so she became the "head secretary." Professor Shanti Gupta, the Head of the Statistics Department, thought at 21 years old that she was too young to be the "head secretary." She continued to sub in the head secretary's position until he decided that she was the right person for the job. Professor Gupta eventually hired Norma as the "head secretary", which was his assistant, and supervisor of the clerical staff. She remained his assistant for 25 years until he stepped down as Head in 1995. Norma and Professor Gupta laughed many times of how she was "too young" to have that position.

On July 1, 1995, Mary Ellen Bock became Head of Statistics and she immediately recognized that Norma was still perfect for the job as Administrative Assistant to the Head. Norma has served in that position ever since.

Norma and her husband, Bill, are the parents of one daughter, Christine Bombyk, and a step-daughter, Betty Jean Bryant; they are the proud grandparents of 2 grandchildren (Brandon and Terry Bryant) with whom they enjoy spending time. Norma and Bill plan to spend as much time as they can traveling on their Goldwing Motorcycle across country. Norma plans to take time to relax and reacquaint herself with scrapbooking, reading, antique shopping, cooking and annoying her husband.

Norma wanted to share with the wonderful faculty, staff, students, and alumni that she has worked with and met over the years that she truly loved her job in the Department of Statistics and that she will miss everyone!

From the Department of Statistics faculty, staff, students and alumni, "THANK YOU NORMA!" for giving your time and talents to the Department for the last 39 years! You will be missed!

To honor Norma Lucas' high level of service to the Department for 39 years, the Department established the Norma Lucas Administrative Professional Excellence Award. For more information about the award, please click here.