Staff Spotlight: Elide Vargas

We are sad to say goodbye to Elide Vargas, administrative coordinator extraordinaire in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, as she enters retirement. She has been a staple on campus, having worked here for 35 years and received her master’s degree in counseling from Wake. Before she left at the end of July, Dean of the College fellow Ellie Bruggen got the chance to chat with Elide about her time at dear old Wake Forest. 

How has Wake changed since you started? 

Wake has changed a lot since 1984. It has gotten bigger, and the technology has progressed immensely. When I got to Wake, there were no computers, no copying machines. Typewriters were still used as well as mimeo machines. I bet you don’t even know what a mimeo machine is … but you can find one in a museum.

What have you enjoyed most while working at Wake? 

What I have enjoyed the most at Wake Forest has been the interactions with students, faculty, and staff from all over. One consistent thing has been that people at Wake are the best. They are friendly, helpful, and generally very nice.

Tell us about a favorite interaction with a student or faculty member. 

I remember one time, about 5 years ago, when students were waiting for me early in the morning to pre-register. Lo and behold, there was this young man who was first in line, in his pajamas and teddy bear, sleeping like an angel waiting to pre-register. It was a nice way to start the day. I do have so many more memories, too many to write about.

What is a fun fact about yourself that would surprise students to hear?  

I do not know if this is fun about myself or not, but I must confess I have been addicted to Days of Our Lives for 40 years now. It is such fun, mindless entertainment. 

What activities do you plan to enjoy when your retirement begins?

As soon as this ugly virus goes away, I would love to travel to Bolivia, where I am originally from, and visit my family. But, in the meantime, I plan to be my daughter’s TA in homeschooling my two granddaughters. I am very blessed with my family who live only 15 minutes away from me.

Elide Vargas