Marion Duren's Journey - Herzing University Nearly Five Decades of Service: Marion Duren's Journey at Herzing University
From greeting guests at a local Madison restaurant to becoming a cornerstone of Herzing University's staff, Marion Duren's 48-year journey exemplifies the institution's commitment to personal growth and family values. As Herzing celebrates its Diamond Anniversary, Marion's story shines as brightly as her dedication to student success.
A Story of Growth and Service
In 1976, what seemed like an ordinary day serving as a hostess turned into a life-changing opportunity when Madison Campus Director Vince Vanderheiden offered Marion a position at what was then the Wisconsin School of Electronics. That simple conversation launched a career spanning nearly five decades.
Marion's journey at Herzing showcases the university's commitment to professional development. Starting as a receptionist in the Admissions Department, she advanced to become an Executive Assistant for the President and Career Development at the Madison Campus. Today, she continues to serve part-time as an Administrative Assistant for the Career Development Department's Compliance Team.
Her connection to Herzing deepened when she enrolled in the Associate of Science in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program while working full-time. Not only did she graduate with Academic Honors and receive the Alpha Beta Kappa recognition in 2012, but she also shared this educational journey with her daughter, who completed the same program. This unique mother-daughter experience exemplifies how Herzing's employee benefits strengthen family bonds through education.
Throughout her tenure, Marion has been instrumental in supporting student achievement. Her role in Career Development involved organizing graduations, coordinating job fairs, and providing critical support through resume creation and mock interviews. Her current focus on graduate data ensures Herzing maintains its commitment to career outcomes.
"Herzing is career-focused and family-oriented," Marion reflects. "Through my employment at Herzing, I witnessed many students graduate and go on to successful careers that I believe might not have been achievable if they were in a large university that didn't have personal care and concern for the students."
Her advice to current and future students remains steadfast: "Stay focused on achieving your goal. There will most likely be hurdles to jump over, but don't let that keep you from your goal!"