Linda Wardhammar joined Campus Center and Student Experiences in July 2012. Wardhammar serves as the facility and assessment specialist, which includes the development and administration of emergency management procedures; coordination of repair, renovation and construction projects; and assessment initiatives for the unit. Get to know her in this Q&A.
What is your favorite part about the Campus Center?
This is a really tough question for me. There are so many great things about the Campus Center. After being away most of the time during the pandemic, I’d have to say it’s the people. But if we’re talking about the actual building, I love all the windows and the different moods they create.
Who do you look up to the most, and what qualities do you love about that person?
I have three, long-time girlfriends who I’m very close to. I look up to them and appreciate all they’ve contributed to my life and who I am. I appreciate different things about each, including their courage, their intelligence and creativity, their strength and their different senses of humor. But collectively, I love how they accept me for who I am and challenge me to be my best self. I feel like this all sounds like a Hallmark card, but it’s for real, and I’m very lucky.
What is your favorite quote?
“An honest man’s pillow is his peace of mind.” It’s a lyric from a song by John Mellencamp called “Minutes to Memories.”
What is your most treasured possession?
I don’t have any family heirlooms, so I’m going to go with my phone. It’s how I stay connected to my loved ones -- most of whom live between a six-hour drive and a cross-country plane ride away -- via phone, text, FaceTime, Zoom and pictures.
What is one thing you would like to cross off your bucket list this year?
I want to learn how to play chess. This has been on my list for years. Two of my nephews are big chess players, and I’d love to play with them.
What is one thing you do at the end of the day to de-stress and relax?
So, I’m thinking of the end of the work day, and there are a variety of things, but what they all have in common is fresh air. For example, driving home with the windows down, taking a short walk around the block or a long walk around Eagle Creek Park, breathing in the cold winter air while waiting for the parking shuttle, etc.