Date: Sept. 27, 2010
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

 

Liz Depew

PNC's Liz Depew One of BusINess Magazine's 20 Under 40

Westville – Elizabeth Depew, Purdue University North Central director of Auxiliary Services and Resource Planning, has been honored as one of BusINess magazine's 20 under 40 for 2010, a distinction given to 20 local business executives under the age of 40 who are among the highest achievers in the region and whose work enriches Northwest Indiana.

Those selected as the 20 under 40 for 2010 were honored at a dinner Thursday, Sept. 23. The 20 under 40 are nominated by their peers and Northwest Indiana business professionals. The honorees come from various fields and backgrounds and are selected for their personal and professional accomplishments, community involvement and commitment to helping better their communities.

“I was surprised and very honored,” said Depew. “I never thought I'd win an award for being me and driving the bus on things that I think should be done. “

Depew has been employed with PNC Since January, 2003. When she was hired, she was already a familiar face on campus, having earned her Associate degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting, with distinction, in 2002 and her Bachelor's degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting, with highest distinction, in 2005.

While working full time, she earned her Master of Business Administration in 2007, graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point-average.

“We are very proud that Liz is a product of PNC,” said Stephen R. Turner, PNC vice chancellor for Administration. “She is always willing to accept new responsibilities and challenges and meets them with great success. She is most deserving of this honor. We could not be happier for Liz. We have great expectations for Liz and anticipate that she will continue to use her significant talents on behalf of PNC and its students.”

Depew was nominated for this distinction by PNC colleague Carol Kurmis, enrollment manager, PNC – Porter County. “I see in Liz a brighter future for all of us,” said Kurmis. “She is intelligent, kind and committed to making a positive difference in the world we share.”

As a PNC student, Depew anticipated a career in public accounting. However, her plans changed when she was asked to fill in temporarily in the PNC Accounting Department while she was still a student.

“I liked it and wanted to learn more about governmental accounting. I looked at the job description, knew I could do it, applied for the full-time position and the rest is history,” she described.

Today, she oversees the administration of Purchasing Services, Switchboard Operations, Print and Mail Services, Food Services, Space Management, interior facilities design and has some budgeting responsibilities and is liaison with the campus bookstore.

“The most rewarding parts of my job come when I work on a project that, when complete, helps students and adds value to the campus. I feel my efforts are a small part of what makes PNC a great place,” she said.

She teaches in the PNC Department of Business and Leadership. Her campus and community memberships include: the PNC Women's Association, and president in 2009 and co-chair of an interest group; the PNC Administrative/Professional Staff Advisory Committee and chair in 2007; the PNC Strategic Plan Steering Committee; the 2010-11 HLC Accreditation Self-Study Team; the Efficiencies Committee; the Smoke Free Implementation Committee; the Purdue Procurement Council and Quality of Life Council.

She's led a number of fund-raising events and despite a pure hatred of running; she's run for charity.

“I enjoying volunteering and being involved,” said Depew. “At the end of the day, I've made a positive impact in someone's life. Whether it's volunteering to pull weeds or organizing a large benefit, I'm relieving stress from someone's life. I'm grateful for what I have and believe I have a duty to contribute to society and pay it forward, or as I like to say, ‘shovel their drive.' ”

One of Depew's favorite PNC experiences came when she took part in the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) case study competition as a student. The PNC placed third in the state and was the only Purdue campus to make it that far. The PNC team surpassed the Indiana University Kelley School of Business to finish in the top three. “It makes me smile just thinking about it,” said Depew.

Looking to the future Depew vows to continue giving back, “I look forward to doing more mentoring of young girls. I hope to help them with confidence and understanding the importance of education and being their own person. I want to convey that while nothing in life is handed to you, anything is possible with a little elbow grease.

“Nothing I do, whether in education, at work or otherwise would be possible without a fantastic support system. I have an amazing family, awesome friends and great co-workers who do what they can to support me.”

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