Linda Cooper: ‘Epitome of the consummate professional’

Dean of Undergraduates John Hutchinson hosted a farewell reception for Linda Cooper, division administrator, who is retiring Aug. 28 after 20 years of service to Rice. “Linda is the epitome of the consummate professional, the person we can depend upon at every turn who has all the knowledge, all the professional capability and, most importantly, the diplomacy and the skill and the tact to handle all those really challenging situations when we’re dealing with students and residential life,” Hutchinson told the crowd gathered at Brochstein Pavilion Aug. 11 to congratulate Cooper on her retirement. Noting that he has been “extremely fortunate to work with one of my best friends in the world,” Hutchinson presented Cooper with a glass keepsake from the staff of the Office of the Dean of Undergraduates on which was inscribed “Linda Cooper, extraordinary friend and colleague, after 20 stellar years of devotion, your graciousness, professionalism and friendship will be missed.” Cooper, who was recruited to Rice from Baylor College of Medicine by former Vice President for Student Affairs Zenaido Camacho, said she has worked with “some of the most amazing people.” She thanked everyone for the relationships and friendships that have been built during her years at Rice and added that she was moved to tears by the emails from the Rice community about her retirement. “I had no idea of the impact that I’ve had on so many people’s lives,” she said. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow)