Vox Home > '08-'09 Academic Year >  May 25, 2009 Issue > 

Staff Snapshots

 

Hannah Silverstein (Photo by Joseph Mehling '69)

Hannah Silverstein has been a copy editor for Development Communications since 2003. At Commencement, she will receive her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.) degree; she is the only Dartmouth employee to do so this year.

A novel idea: It took Silverstein four years to complete her master's degree‑"A lot longer than I expected," she says. She finished the coursework in two years and spent another two working on her thesis, a novel called "Disrespectful Children." "This is the largest work I've ever written," says Silverstein, who has penned many short stories. "A novel is a lot more unwieldy. I almost despaired halfway through, but I learned to trust the process. M.A.L.S. gave me an opportunity to try and fail and try again."

Digging in: "It's wonderful that Dartmouth has this interdisciplinary program," says Silverstein. "M.A.L.S. offers courses in government, philosophy, cultural studies, and several creative writing genres. Digging in to new content gives you a richer well of material to draw from."

New perspective: Having experienced Dartmouth as a student, "I feel more connected to what happens at the College," Silverstein says. "What we do in Development is based, in part, on reminding alumni of their experience and connection to the College. I've had a real opportunity to get to know Dartmouth, which is invaluable in my work."

 

Tim Tregubov (Photo by Joseph Mehling '69)

Tim Tregubov has worked as a systems analyst for the Department of Computer Science since 2000. In 2003, he began taking undergraduate courses at Dartmouth; he hopes to complete his B.S. in cognitive science within two years.

Work-life balance: On juggling coursework and a full-time job, Tim says, "That's not so hard. It's more about, how do I balance everything else? I have no personal time. Every day is work, class, more work, and then homework in the evenings. And I study on weekends." Still, Tregubov has managed to find time for extracurricular projects. He was part of the Dartmouth team that won Google's 2007 Build Your Campus in 3D competition, and is a member of the Green Lite project, which aims to reduce energy use in campus buildings by providing occupants with real-time feedback.

Dual perspective: "I can see both sides of Dartmouth," Tregubov says. "It's made [my experience] a lot richer. At work, I can identify with what the students are going through, and I can provide the student perspective when we're talking about making a change in our services."

Bleeding green: "I was taking a prospective student around, and one of the questions he asked me was, ‘How has Dartmouth changed you?' And I realized how much I loved this place," says Tregubov. "Even a few years ago, I thought, it's a good job, it's fun to take classes. But now I really love it here! I bought my parents Dartmouth mugs and a Dartmouth umbrella. They are proud Dartmouth parents."

By SARAH MAXELL CROSBY '04

Hit the Books

Dartmouth offers two kinds of educational assistance to employees: tuition reimbursement and grant-in-aid. Both opportunities are available to benefits-eligible employees who have worked at Dartmouth for a year or more.

Through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), tuition assistance up to $2,000 per fiscal year is available for courses completed at an accredited college or university other than Dartmouth. Grant-in-aid for Dartmouth courses provides 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to one course per term for full-time employees. Enrollment in graduate programs and professional schools is subject to the requirements of each school.

Reimbursements and remission are pro-rated for part-time employees, and some tuition assistance is subject to income taxes. Click here for more information or contact jennifer.cocklin@dartmouth.edu. There will be a TAP "Lunch and Learn" information session on Thursday, June 25, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Human Resources training room (7 Lebanon St.).