Staff Interview
Name: Kathy Edlund
Title: Supervisor, Custodial Services
- Where are you originally from and what was it like growing up there?
I was born and raised in Grand Island, NY. I was one of eleven children. My mom stayed at home with us. Dad held several jobs over the years in order to support our large family. He owned a laundry and a cleaning business, but the best job - we kids thought - was the ice cream truck. We all helped dad in his work from time-to-time which is where God first began to prepare me for what I do at Cedarville now. Dad had a strong work ethic, and he taught that to me. - What is a favorite childhood memory?
On Christmas morning all of us kids would try to be the first one down stairs. One year I was the first one down the stairs. Mom didn't always wrap all the gifts. There were baby dolls for some of us girls with just a gift tag on them. I didn't like the red-haired one with my name on it, so I switched it the tags with one of my sister's tags. I don't think mom ever knew I did it, but I told my sister and she was okay with it. - What brought you to Cedarville?
A young man, Alan Edlund, whom I met at my sister's wedding. Alan was a student here and my sister was living here with her husband, so I came to Cedarville and worked in a coffee shop until I married Alan a little over a year later. - How long have you worked here and what do you like most about your job?
I've worked here 14 1/2 years. I get a lot of satisfaction out of my job. I work hard to clean an area to the point that I would enjoy living in it. I'm thankful that God has me exactly where he wants me to be and doing what he wants me to do. - What has been the biggest change you have seen in your years here at CU?
Students are more focused on serving the Lord and more willing to go, especially female students. - What is your life's passion?
I have a son and four daughters. Three live nearby. My son lives in Wisconsin and one daughter lives in North Carolina. I have six grandchildren, including one set of twins, and there is another baby on the way. I've made cross-stitched Christmas stockings for all of the grandchildren.
Another passion is supporting missionaries. I appreciate very much the sacrifices that missionaries make of their lives. I had the opportunity to travel with my husband and the tennis team to Brazil - the language was a real challenge. The missionaries work hard everyday with the added challenge of a foreign language. God has not led me into full-time missions but I love to encourage missionaries. - Who is the person you most admire?
My former Pastor and his wife, Pastor & Mrs. Wilhite, back in New York were Godly people that I have patterned my life after. - Some Favorites:
Favorite Bible Verse - Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
Book/Author - Karen Kingsbury books
TV Show - CSI / Law & Order