The corridors of Maury Hall are filled with photos capturing University Reserve Officers Training Corps students from years past. Though faces in these photos change from year to year, there is one consistent face within the frames - that of Janet Parkinson, master secretary since 1969.
This spring will mark Parkinson's 41st year of service to the University and the United States Navy as an administrative officer. During this time, Parkinson has witnessed the changes in ROTC from the Vietnam War through the first and second Gulf Wars to the present-day War on Terror.
"Mrs. Parkinson is as much part of the University as the Rotunda," Lieutenant Daniel Choudhury said. "She is a living relic of the University."
Her administrative roles range from arranging paperwork, confirming ROTC recruitments, inspecting ROTC-related scholarships, managing the financial side of the ROTC process and establishing direct and familiar relationships with students to facilitate the busy life of ROTC officers attempting to balance academia with militant duties. In addition, Parkinson is in charge of most of ROTC's secretarial work and the midshipmen file, as well as the enlistment contracts for ROTC hopefuls.
Though some people may view Parkinson's responsibilities as tedious - which she herself feels on certain days - her contributions are integral to the functioning of the ROTC community, said Matt Jibilian, a Public Affairs officer in the Navy ROTC unit.
"[She makes sure] we're all squared away in the material. Her position is overlooked; there is so much work done behind the scenes," Jibilian said.
A native of Staunton, Va., Parkinson came to the University as a mother supporting her two daughters after her own mother's death in 1969. The only female working alongside male officers, Parkinson seemed to have become accustomed to being surrounded by men. She explained it felt "quite unusual" when the University began hiring women in late 1971.
Parkinson said one of her most exciting memories occurred shortly after coming to the University - a day of students protesting the Vietnam War. During these protests, students took over the Maury naval building while University officials dealt with their refusal to leave.
Now, although Parkinson confesses that some days at the office can be dreary and monotonous, she is appalled by any suggestion of retirement.
"I enjoy my job," she said simply.
Much of why she finds her job so meaningful the interactions and people she meets.
"I see college students come and go," she said. I enjoy seeing the young people. The Navy has been a real family for me; they have looked out for me."
Commander Michael Beno praised the way in which she always addresses her acquaintances, new and old, by their first names. Her kindness, he said, has helped more than 50 percent of the University's ROTC program participants complete the program.
"That's over 1,100 of the graduates," he said. "That's darn significant."
As University students filter through Maury Hall at 7 a.m. each day, they may find it impossible to refrain from saluting a woman known for such kindness and dedication.
"It's about doing what you do with great passion that is hard that she does it. You can be the president of the United States and not have your heart into it," Jibilian said. "But students should look at Mrs. Parkinson [as a role model in finding passion in one's work],"
After more than 40 years of service, Parkinson has made quite an impression on the ROTC community.
"[If the students] remember one thing about [the ROTC program], they will remember Mrs. Parkinson," Beno said. "We all look the same, dressed like this in white shirts and khaki pants. She stands out"
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