Each month, newly-hired faculty, staff and GTFs are invited to share basic information about their new positions at the UO and their occupational and/or educational backgrounds at AroundtheO. The purpose is to introduce and welcome them to campus, and to enhance the university's sense of community.

This month:

Marcella Fummerton

Marcella Fummerton was hired in January as a development assistant in University Development. She has worked in similar positions for seven years, and most recently worked at Weekly Bros., Inc., as project administrator. Fummerton earned her associate degree in office technology and administrative assistant from Umpqua Community College. Outside of work, she enjoys sewing, crafting and spending time with friends and family.

Cassie Bates

Cassie Bates started working in January as a development assistant for University Arts in the Office of University Development. A Eugene native, Bates previously worked at Ferrellgas for six years, where she managed the propane company’s inventory and provided support for the district manager. In her current position, Bates supports fundraising efforts for both the Oregon Bach Festival and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, taking photographs and watching Ducks football.

Evey Lennon

Evey Lennon was hired in January as an office specialist II for Research and Innovation Services. Lennon has worked in similar positions for about five years, and most recently worked for Florida State College and the University of North Florida. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, and enjoys  yoga, hiking and snowboarding in her free time.

Eric Clark

Eric Clark began working as the lending services manager for UO Libraries in February. He has worked for libraries within the Oregon University System since 2006, and previously worked as lending services student supervisor for UO Libraries for two years. Clark graduated from Oregon State University in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in English.

Theresa Lyon

Theresa Lyon was hired in December as a food service worker in the central kitchen. She has worked in similar positions for about four years, and most recently worked as a student food service worker at UO. Outside of work, she enjoys studying Arabic.

Todd Miles

Todd Miles started working as an associate director for athletic communications in November. He has worked in athletic administration since 1997, and most recently held the position of assistant athletic director for media relations at Long Beach State. Miles received his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from Gonzaga University and his master’s in athletic administration from Idaho State University. When he isn’t working, you can catch Miles rooting on all the Duck teams.

Joseph Szelesta

Joseph Szelesta was recently hired as assistant business manager in the Department of Psychology. He has worked in similar positions for 10 years, and last worked for the University of Maine as an associate director of facilities management. Szelesta earned his bachelor’s in economics from Rutgers University, and started on his master’s at the University of Maine, hoping to finish it at the UO. Outside of work, Szelesta enjoys hiking, fly fishing and riding motorcycles.

Adrienne Darrah

Adrienne Darrah started working in January as the director of membership and business development for the UO Alumni Association. She has worked in the field for 12 years, and left her last position as an associate director of annual giving for the University of Portland in 2009. Darrah graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in art history in 1998 and a master’s in 2012.

Calvin Kenney

Calvin Kenney was hired in January as the football operation facility manager. Prior to arriving at UO, Kenney worked for the City of Eugene for 10 years as the facility management maintenance supervisor. He attended Oklahoma Christian University and has taken various courses at Lane Community College. Outside of work, Kenney enjoys camping, fishing and playing softball. He is also active in the city of Veneta as a member of the planning commission and the budget committee.

Jake Pollack

Jake Pollack was hired in November as program manager for the sustainability leadership program in Portland. For the past five years, he has lived and worked in international study-abroad settings including India and the Bahamas. Pollack will graduate with a doctorate in education from Prescott College in May. He has recently settled in Portland, and spends as much time possible enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Jan Wertanen

Jan Wertanen was hired in January as an office specialist with Research and Innovation Services. She most recently worked with Walt Disney World, Orlando, for 14 years as an executive secretary.