Laura Wuethrich, Degree Progress Officer
What I Do
I support all EE Undergraduate and Graduate Students and I serve on the Academic Affairs Committee.
Origins
I grew up outside of Chicago in Naperville, IL. I received an undergraduate degree in Music Education and a Masters in Music for flute performance. In a previous life I performed in a flute quartet and was a flute instructor for 10 years. Before coming to Stanford I worked as a Race Director and Operations Manager for a non-profit called Girls on the Run of Silicon Valley, a program to teach girls in third through eighth grade to find their confidence and potential. I left Girls on the Run thinking I wanted to be an executive assistant and was hired by the School of Engineering Dean's Office as a Multi-Disciplinary Admin. One of my assignments was working for three months in the EE department where I was introduced to Student Services and found a home. The Degree Progress Officer position opened up right before my assignment ended and it was the perfect role for my teaching and event management background.
My EExperience
Serving in my role as Degree Progress Officer in EE has made my time at Stanford really special. I’ve learned so much, both academically and professionally, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling. I’ve loved working with and getting to know such talented and supportive coworkers. The work I get to do with all the EE students, helping them work towards earning their degrees and getting to know them has been especially rewarding. Watching them grow and seeing them cross the stage at Commencement is something I look forward to every June.
Outside of Work
I spend my time running and hiking the trails in the Santa Cruz mountains and swimming masters or in the ocean with friends. I also love when my daughter comes home from college and we binge TV shows together at night while eating dinner.
Favorite Spot
Other than Packard 165, my favorite Spot on campus is the view from Memorial Court looking onto the Oval. My favorite spot off campus is the Forest of Nisene Marks in Aptos.
Above: Laura in wild harmony with nature (the top of an abandoned ski jump in Jyväskylä, Finland).