The Iota chapter of Mortar Board at Lawrence University is part of a national honor society for college seniors. This year, Lawrence’s Mortar Board chapter has started a program in which one outstanding Lawrence staff member is recognized each month.Debra Roman joined the Lawrence staff in 1983 and is the laboratory supervisor for the chemistry department. Debra, or Debbie as she is known to many, is responsible for ordering chemistry supplies, managing the budget, setting up laboratory sessions and class demonstrations, organizing departmental events, maintaining the department website and helping students and professors undertaking research projects.
Roman is greatly admired among Lawrence professors, faculty and students. Chemistry professors Mary Blackwell and Jerrold Lokensgard recalled how Debra was instrumental in the current design of Science Hall.
“Her thoughtful attention to the plans made the architects actually turn the building around by 180 degrees so that the professors’ offices would not be looking into the students’ rooms in Ormsby Hall,” says Blackwell.
When she is not working in the chemistry department at Lawrence, Debra enjoys golf, bowling, gardening and spending time with her husband Jim and their golden retriever, Dusty. Her husband is a nurse who flies with the local medical helicopter crew.
The entire chapter of Mortar Board at Lawrence University would like to congratulate Debra Roman and acknowledge her for all of the hard work she has done for Lawrence University.
Motar Board recognizes Debra Roman
