Martha LaForge (Photo/Morning Glory Farr)

LaForge new grad coordinator

By Morning Glory Farr

The School recently welcomed Martha LaForge as its new graduate coordinator. LaForge has quickly adapted to the position, helping students negotiate their way through the school, with everything from job postings to graduation preparation.

But LaForge can actually offer students more than just information on journalism careers.

She is an astrologer, a hobby that she enjoys sharing with people, as long as they don't take it too seriously.

"I've had people who want me to predict their exact future," LaForge said.

"I don't think that's what astrology is about. I think it can help people better understand themselves and their lives."

LaForge's life has been a mixture of eclectic influences. She grew up in Florida, and after graduating from the University of Miami, she moved to Jamaica to teach preschool for the Peace Corps. During this time, her family moved to Colorado, where she later joined them.

"I was ready for the cool Colorado air after so many years in the hot, humid climates of Florida and Jamaica," LaForge said.

LaForge has a diverse history of working in academic atmospheres. From 1976 to 1987, she worked for the University of Colorado at Boulder.

She returned to work for the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research in 2003, then transferred to the Colorado School of Mines in 2005.

When she found out about the graduate coordinator position at the School, she readily took a transfer.

"I find what everyone is doing here to be enormously interesting," LaForge said.

"They are my kind of people, interested in literature and language, like I am."

Students and faculty at the School also seem to feel that LaForge is a great fit for the position.

"Martha has settled into her job very well," said Robert Trager, associate dean of SJMC. "She cares very much about our graduate students. The School's program could not do without her."

She replaces Ruth Bracey, who served as graduate coordinator at the School during her seven years there. Bracey retired last summer.

Biegler handles situations up front for the School

By Natasha Gardner

Becky Biegler (Photo/Morning Glory Farf)

The reception desk at the School is rarely quiet. The phone rings, faculty drop off mail, students run by on their way to class and parents stop to ask questions. Becky Biegler is the person who oversees it all with a smile.

"She's the first person people hear or see when they come in and see the School, and she's cheerful and has a good attitude," said Amy Belue, assistant to the dean.

Becky Biegler, 25, joined the SJMC staff as a receptionist on Aug. 31. Biegler replaced Christian Taylor, who now works as an office manager in Denver.

"I'm a people person, so I love interacting with students, parents and the staff," Biegler said. Her responsibilities include front desk reception, ordering supplies and helping faculty, fellows and teaching assistants.

"I can always try to get them where they need to go. I may not have an answer to their question up front, but I can get them started in the right direction," Biegler said.

Biegler graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 2003 with a degree in mathematics. Before joining the SJMC staff, she worked for a government contractor.