Cardinal Points

Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Fuse

Media Credit: Andrei Popovici Vlad Lisa Lewis, the wife of President John Ettling, has been a family-oriented part of the college and does her part in the student-faculty relationship.

Wonder Woman frequents Plattsburgh State.

Although she does not brandish a golden lasso and lacks the license to fly an invisible jet, her heart is all encompassing.

She's the adjunct lecturer of an English course.

She's a surrogate mother to both students and faculty members alike.

She's the wife of PSUC President John Ettling.

She is Lisa Lewis.

Wise, dedicated, enthusiastic and compassionate - she does her job to the zenith.

"She maintains a strong presence," Richard Higgins, director of admissions, said.

This said presence demands attention both in lecture halls and at alumni events. Students at other schools seldom have the opportunity to boast about being taught by the first lady.

Students who are taking Lewis' class are understandably bewildered. Contrary to popular belief, teaching a class is entirely her choice, not an obligation. She is in the classroom because she has a genuine love for language arts and her students. She opted to be a part of the day-to-day affairs of the school.

In addition to teaching classes, she opens her home - located on the hearth of the college campus - to students.

"She helps solidify the idea of family in Plattsburgh State," Kim Garrison, Student Association president, said.

"I've heard a few of her students rave about being able to go over to the president's house for office hours."

This comes as a pleasant surprise to most of the students, who are fresh out of high school and unaccustomed to such graciousness from the faculty.

This gesture accentuates Lewis' humble spirit.

Her sincere affection is not limited to students who are currently enrolled, however.

She extends her warmth to alumni who graduated fifty or eighty years ago.

"She loves hearing stories from the alumni," said Rose Anderson, director of alumni affairs.

Lewis has the job of SUNY Associate, which again is not an obligation, but a pleasure.

In fact, it is an unpaid position.

This position grants her the opportunity to go to various events, which range from high school meet-and-greets in New York City to alumni receptions in Florida.

"She loves participating in representing this institution. As a result of their collaboration [the collaboration between herself and Ettling], they have garnered additional funding for the school," Keith Tyo, executive assistant to the president, said.

Higgins wholeheartedly agreed to this claim and added, "She's a goodwill ambassador. She welcomes all of the important visitors - scholars, corporate leaders, political leaders and distinguished alumni. It's not all about Lisa Lewis. She has an interest in meeting people and getting to know who you are."

Retaining her maiden name and sense of identity, Lisa has carved out an immensely meaningful role for herself - all without the aid of superpowers. However, in everyone's eyes, she'll forever be the Wonder Woman of PSUC.

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