Campus Closeup: Andrea Wrubel

As the account clerk for the School of Art and Design, Andrea Wrubel has first-hand exposure to a unique collection of original student and faculty pieces displayed throughout her working environment. It appears the job has started to rub off on her. Inspired by what she sees on a daily basis, Wrubel has been taking art classes on the side.

“I took an art history class last semester because it’s fascinating,” she said. “I’m working toward my bachelor’s degree, but the classes I want to take aren’t necessarily required, like electronic imaging. That class doesn’t count toward my degree, but it’s something I’m interested in and want to learn more about.”

Wrubel said she has an ulterior motive for taking the electronic imaging class. As the secretary of the Hiawathaland Snowmobile Club, she wants to design a Web page for the organization. She started snowmobiling when she was 16 and shares her enthusiasm for it with her husband. In fact, she and her husband moved to the U.P. in 2001 to enjoy winters atop their snowmobiles.

“My husband and I are big snowmobilers and we’d always dreamed of living up here and an opportunity presented itself. I worked at a stamping plant where I was a payroll coordinator for eight years when they closed the plant. And so, we thought if we’re going to do this, let’s do it now. We moved up here, no jobs, bought a house and eventually found jobs,” Wrubel said.

Wrubel began managing the School of Art and Design’s budget in August 2005.  She also bears the title of assistant to the director of the DeVos Art Museum. In this position, she handles paperwork and budgeting. Additionally, Wrubel functions as the secretary and treasurer of the Friends of the DeVos Art Museum.

One of her favorite responsibilities is to manage the ArtWorks Store, which is housed next to the DeVos Art Museum. It displays student, faculty, and alumni art available for purchase.  This aspect of her job, along with many other duties, puts her in one-on-one contact with students on a daily basis.

“I really enjoy the students. I know that sounds quirky, but they come in and they’ll show us their art. It’s really a close-knit group. We have some really good, talented people here. Just being here and giving them encouragement is rewarding,” Wrubel said.