Photo by Jessica Maloney,
UNH Human Resources

Upon entering the Chemistry Department office in Parsons Hall, one gets the sense that it is a warm and welcoming place. Peg Torch, an Administrative Assistant for the department for the last eight years states, "Chemistry is a really nice department. We have lots of birthday celebrations, picnics in the summer, a 'pie bake-off' before Thanksgiving, and a departmental holiday party. Everyone knows there's usually candy or goodies in the office." Along with the conviviality of the department, Peg herself can be credited with a large contribution towards the friendly atmosphere. The genuine interest that she takes with the staff and students with whom she interacts is clearly evident in her patient and nurturing approach.

As a department that serves over 800 freshmen each year, Peg is called upon to assist students with a lot of "finding." Many of her duties involve "helping students find their professor or TA, a room, the right form, the calculator they left in Iddles, etc." While the repetition of such requests might wear on others, Peg's good humor gives her an air of infinite patience; "the students are what make it fun here," she states. Peg derives much satisfaction from watching the students achieve personal milestones; "I like to watch their progression, semester by semester. I get to know the Chemistry majors and graduate students…I am always proud when I see the graduate students complete their degrees because I see how hard they work." Aside from working directly with students, Peg's position also entails designing and maintaining the department website, doing desktop publishing, and helping professors prepare and compile class materials.

For the last two years, Peg has also contributed to the university community by way of her volunteer work with the Administrative Office Professionals (AOP) Planning Committee. This past year she has taken on the role of Program Coordinator wherein she helps plan and develop the training sessions for the annual AOP conference. Of this work, Peg maintains that it is a large time commitment but an incredibly rewarding experience, as those involved in the Committee show such a passion for the work. Due to the work of the Committee, the annual conference has consistently proven to be a thrilling and energizing experience for those who attend.

When asked who at the University has had a positive impact on her, Peg credits "Cindi Rohwer, my boss, (who) has been extremely supportive of my volunteer work, and my continuing efforts to get my degree here at UNH" and "Kate Hanson, a professor at the Thompson School, inspired me to become involved in the AOP Planning Committee."

On weekends, one can find Peg skiing at Attitash with her family, including her children of whom she is extremely proud. Dominic, a junior at Spaulding High School is now a weekend ski instructor, and Lauren is currently studying for her Master's of Social Work here at the University.