The Beloved 'Wonnacott Mom,' Lorraine Zak

Author: Jasmin Johnson

At almost any time in the day, students can be seen hanging out at the Wonnacott Commons office on the first floor of Battell South. Why?
"Basically, to see Lorraine," says Nicole Grohoski '05.
When Lorraine goes home early, Dean of Wonnacott Commons Matt Longman noted that it amazes him how many students walk into the office asking where Lorraine is.
Lorraine Zak is the Wonnacott Commons' Coordinator. To many, however, she is known as the "Wonnacott Mom."
"I go into the Wonnacott office three or four times a day, just because it is such a nice place to be. Lorraine's awesome," said David Lindholm '05, who lives in Battell South. Indeed, Zak's enthusiasm for her work is the magnetic force that draws people into the office.
"Lorraine is the most incredible person I have met while being at Middlebury College. She tries to act like her job isn't important and doesn't deserve recognition, but I think without her, everyone in Wonnacott Commons would fall apart," said Nina Robinson '05, who works at the Wonnacott office.
Zak took on the position three years ago when the commons system started. She began her career at Middlebury College as the Department Assistant in the Music Department and continued working at the Center for the Arts, particularly with the concert series. She brought many performers to the College, including one of her all-time favorite bands. Lady Smith Black Mambazo. While she really enjoyed her work, she felt that she did not get to interact with students as much as she would have liked to.
"Doing what you love is important," said Zak, "and right now, I love what I am doing. When I saw this job, I knew this was it."
She said that Middlebury College students were "exceptional" and had "done things that I could only imagine. Now, I want to be here till I retire," she explained.
Zak is the first Commons Coordinator and therefore, according to Longman, has really "defined" the role.
"When the system first started, there was always the question of whether students will warm up and embrace the 'Wonnacott office,'" Longman recalled.
Zak quelled all those worries by bringing her own genuine brand of warmth to the position.
She does many little everyday things to show people she cares. She sends cards and gifts to students and friends on staff. She inquires about how people are and takes the time to listen to how they respond.
"When I was going through a tough week of work, she saw a "Seinfeld" pen online and bought it for me as a gift! We share a liking for "Seinfeld," you see," recalled Longman.
"When I was sick with pink eye, she came up to my room to see me," said Jonathan Stuart-Moore '05, a resident of Battell South.
"She just has a gigantic heart," said Mary Houde '03, a junior counselor of in Battell South.
Besides that, she also understands how nice it is to come to an office stocked with candy and other goodies.
"She also often bakes in the early morning so students wake up to different breads and cookies," said Michael Baumgardner '00, the Wonnacott Commons Residential Assistant.
"She also has students over at her house. For example, last spring students went over to celebrate Easter. She cooked so much food that we didn't even make a dent in it all, but it was awesome! We then had an Easter egg hunt," he continued.
Zak is wholly dedicated to her job. According to Longman, who works very closely with her, she "does everything."
"She's really more than a colleague. She keeps things in real priority — she is wonderful at being mindful of human priorities. She understands, for if a student has missed deadline for something, she works with me and gets things done quickly," Longman said.
Zak's sense of humor is also endearing. Baumgardner said that "Lorraine's laugh is infectious" and that she had a playful side to her.
"She is known for playing pranks on people or shooting rubber bands across the office at people," said Baumgardner.
"Her usual greeting of someone at the office is some witty remark and the snap of a rubberband," echoed Houde.
Zak is mother to two "warm and loving" adopted children, Tik and Radika, who are the "centerpiece" of her life. Like their mother at their age, they are into various sports, including soccer.
Zak's hobbies include gardening, cross country skiing and reading. She also has a keen interest in genealogy and has traced her family tree back to the 1500s.
She had the opportunity to travel back to the village of her grandfather to talk to relatives about her ancestry. Her value of family guides her everyday actions, both at home and at work.
"For Lorraine, in many ways there is no line that distinguishes between home life and work. She is so giving of her home and herself to students here on campus with whom she forms bonds that last long after those students move on," said Baumgardner
But Baumgardner is not the only one who feels this way about this unsung hero.
She is the reason many Wonnacott residents did not change commons this year during room draw. For many, she represents a crucial part of the commons system's success. Indeed, the "Wonnacott Mom" is the perfect job for her.