The staff spotlight series celebrates and elevates all the people who make the UI College of Education such a special place to work. This spotlight recognizes the critical contributions our staff members make to the College of Education community in support of our faculty and students.
Rebecca Stai has worked as a Coordinator of Student Completion Procedures in the Office of Student Services for six years.
Rebecca Stai earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences with a minor in Child Development from San Diego State University (SDSU) in 2017. While a student, one of her many jobs included working in the Dean’s Office in the SDSU Fowler College of Business (2016 – 2017). Over the years, she has also worked as a nanny for children ages infant to 12 years old (2005 – 2018); directed and choreographed theater productions for junior high/high school (2006 – 2012); and worked as a youth activities coordinator for a non-profit organization (2015 – 2018), among other jobs. She is still a California licensed cosmetologist (originally licensed in 2005) but says she only uses her skills when cutting hair for family members.
What does your job entail in the College of Education's Office of Student Services/Administration Dean's Office?
I am the commencement coordinator for the College of Education Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony, which entails making sure every aspect of the event is planned and executed. The process starts at the beginning of each semester and continues until the actual commencement ceremony is done. I also work with the Graduate programs by coordinating the graduate exams. I help students apply for their exams both within the College of Education and the Graduate College. I'm in the process of helping to usher in the new degree audits for graduate programs. The graduate degree audits are/will be such a valuable tool for students, advisors, and staff, so I look forward to having them completed for all programs.
What is your favorite part about working at the College of Education?
One of my favorite parts about working at the College of Education is the wonderful people, including staff, faculty, students, or very proud parents of graduating students. I also get to interact with other departments/offices throughout the University of Iowa since organizing commencement requires the skills of many others outside our college.
What is your favorite memory as a Hawkeye?
I get to make favorite memories each semester on commencement day! I enjoy being able to organize a day of celebration for all the hard work our undergraduate/TEP students have done through their time here. Preparing a space for students, families, friends, and the UI community to celebrate is very special for me. It's also exciting to see Herky every semester at our post-commencement reception.
What are your hobbies, interests, or special talents? What would colleagues be surprised to know about you?
I started playing flute at 8 years old and I was in band for eight years. For a bit, I wanted to join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I continue to play to this day (though I'm not as practiced as I once was), along with a little bit of piano. In high school I did theater, band, and choir, which are the main reasons I really liked going to school. I directed/choreographed theater for six years for a junior high/high school in San Diego, California. That's the reason I love commencement so much; it's just like directing a play. I really enjoy cooking and baking, though I don't really get to do it as much as I'd like (or how I'd like - having a picky 3-year-old changes what I cook). I would go to culinary school and become a chef/pastry chef if I could have multiple careers at once, or if there was a parallel universe.
Where is your favorite place to eat in downtown Iowa City?
Over the past 6 years, I've enjoyed great food at 30hop (Coralville), Bluebird Diner, Basta Pizzeria Ristorante, and Thai Spice (among others). I really enjoy food, so there's not just one favorite place.
What is something on campus that you look forward to participating in or doing?
I look forward to seeing a Mean Girls at Hancher in March.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? (No limitations)
I would love to visit India, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. India is my first choice, since it's so special to my mom's family. I also hope to visit Hawaii (Oahu) again to see friends and enjoy the beautiful island.
My ultimate no-limitations travel dream is to do a world-wide food tour. I'm kind of obsessed with the show "Somebody Feed Phil" because he goes around the world learning the history of each place and eating their amazing foods. That would be the life!
Visit the Celebrating College of Education staff page to nominate a colleague. Self nominations are also welcome.
