Allison Buehner

September Communique Spotlight

Marlene Dietz, the First Lady of ISU, joined the professional chapter of AWC this summer! Dietz first got involved in communication when a health insurance company needed someone who could communicate to the general public what health insurance really is. Having graduated with an education degree, she learned that all organizations had a need for training, educating, and communicating. “Communication is the foundation for organizational success,” says Dietz. Her biggest challenge in communication was working with people with very different values, opinions and style. She was able to work through these challenges when she learned the very big lesson “you don’t have to like each other to accomplish a task, but you do need to be able to work together.”

Now, Marlene’s role is representing and advocating for Illinois State. Her favorite part about this role is entertaining. The Dietz pair open their home to guests at least once a week to show appreciation to donors, and faculty and staff, create connections and sense of community at ISU, and in Bloomington-Normal. Dietz enjoys the opportunity to be present for student, staff and alumni, and she goes well out of her way to make sure that is known.

When Dietz isn’t representing ISU at events, on the road, or in her home, she spends her time decompressing by either reading a book, or watching a movie. An avid reader, her favorite novelist is Jodi Piccoult, but when she wants an escape, she’ll opt for a trip to the movie theater. One of our newest members, we look forward to getting to know Marlene better!