Sherry West By Jordan Lee Since 2001, Sherry West has been recognized on campus by students and faculty for her good deeds. Everyday she delivers the mail to campus boxes and manages the post office. But what most people do not know about is her heritage and dedication to the Lee University campus. West began her career at Lee 27 years ago as a secretary alternately serving the School of Religion, the Office of Counseling and Testing and the Registrar and then left Lee to pursue a career in the corporate world. However, after having spent more than 20 years away from Lee, in 2001 West was ready for a career change. “My brother saw the position of campus P.O. manager on the Lee website and shared this information with me. I submitted a resume, made a follow-up phone call and in less than one week, was offered and accepted the job,” said West. Returning to Lee University made sense since West’s family has always had a close working history with the university in education, maintenance, secretarial, and custodial work. Her father, Herb Cannon, worked at Lee for 26 years. Her brother, Herb Jr., worked in public education for 30 years and upon his retirement came to Lee to serve in the Helen DeVos College of Education. Additionally, like West, her sister, Patty Storey, is a former secretary at Lee. West has a true passion for her work. But, the importance of delivering daily mail is not what keeps her working at Lee. “I love the sense of ‘family’ in the workplace. Having worked in several public sector arenas in those years between my seasons at Lee, I really missed that feeling,” West said. “This atmosphere prevails in the day-to-day life at Lee and creates a bond among us. I have a great sense of Godly pride in Lee University.” With over 4,000 students and faculty, delivering mail is no simple task. A typical day for West begins with overseeing all campus mail operations, including inbound and outbound mail and packages. She coordinates campus-wide deliveries and distribution to all university P.O. boxes. “My job allows me to interact with virtually everyone on campus. I love being a part of this place and sharing with the surrounding community that Lee University is such an asset to our town,” said West. Other than delivering mail, West enjoys being “Nana” to Addison, Jessalee, Blaze, and Trace. She also enjoys spending time with her children Buddy, Sandy, Kerri and Ross. “Spending time with my family, including my mom, siblings, offspring and grand-offspring makes every day a great day!” West knows that as long as the “wonderful and efficient staff” of the campus post office keeps the mail running, it contributes to every facet of the daily functions of the university. She agrees that technology is a “blessing in our busy lives,” but the necessity for manual conveyance of mail is also very essential. It is easy to believe West when she proclaims that nothing will keep her from delivering the mail at Lee.   Posted on - 08/10/07