Although members of the psychology department may follow different theories and studies, many of them agree on one thing: “Pam knows everything.”

The Pam they speak of is retiring department office manager Pam Gutowski, who has worked for the university since 1984.

Psychology professor Assege Haile Mariam has worked with Gutowski for 12 years and said she is one of the most efficient and hard working people she knows.

“If you need something done, you go to Pam,” Haile Mariam said. “She is so devoted to the students and it has been a pleasure working with her.”

Gutowski came to the university to work part-time, and came on full-time a few years later. One of the best parts of her job is the very thing she has become known for in the department.

“This job is such a mixture,” Gutowski said. “You get to know a little bit about everything.”

During the reception, many psychology students came together and presented a plaque to honor Gutowski’s dedication. One of those students was Chas Lewis, a junior psychology worker, who is interning under Gutowski as a secretary’s assistant. Lewis said Gutowski is a very giving person and one of the best supervisors he has ever had.

Once when Lewis’ electricity was out, Gutowski offered Lewis to stay at her home.

“That’s the kind of woman she is,” Lewis said.

Gutowski is going to retire on May 31, but said she does not have exact plans. Instead, she hopes to travel and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

During the reception for Gutowski, Eastern faculty and staff flooded into the Psychology Seminar Room to share stories and laughs. Many of the smiles centered around a photo presentation that featured Gutowkski at different phases of her life – as a baby, riding her first bike, getting married, becoming a mother and her early years working at the university.

Psychology professor Joe Williams has worked with Gutowski for 18 years and described the experience as “wonderful.”

“Pam knows everything and we’re a bunch of fools,” Williams laughed. “We’re definitely going to go through a long period of shock without her.”

Mary Anne Hanner, the retiring dean of the College of Sciences, has known Gutowski since 1994 while serving as the acting associate dean.

“She’s always a pleasure and has a positive attitude, even when we’re trying to work out something sticky,” Hanner said. “She’s a great one.”

Shelley Holmgren can be reached at 581-2812 or meholmgren@eiu.edu.