74171 news 1323950920 1475896250 <![CDATA[Jane-Allen Shope Faced Her Fear — and Won]]> For some it’s snakes, and for others it’s spiders. For Jane-Allen Shope, it was the idea of being hooked to a thin wire and zip lining through the treetops of the North Carolina mountains that scared her.        

“When I took a zip lining tour to celebrate an upcoming birthday last year, I faced a major fear,” said Shope, the executive assistant to the executive vice president for Administration and Finance. “I was petrified leading up to it. But, once I was flying through the air — at a height of 200 feet and a distance of 1,100 feet — I made it across screaming ‘wahoooooooooo!’”

The experience left Shope feeling like she could face any fear head on — and wanting to zip line again in the future.  

After 30 years of service at Tech, Shope will retire at the end of the month. Here’s what The Whistle learned when we sat down to talk to her about her time at Tech and her plans for the future.

What brought you to Tech?
I had a friend who worked here part time, and she suggested that I accept a part-time job that was open. I figured, “Why not? I can do anything for a few months.” Four bosses,  and eight presidents (some of whom were around on an interim basis) later, here I am.

What are a few things that you want people to know about your job?         
During an average day, I do everything from scheduling appointments for Steve Swant to submitting maintenance requests for the Carnegie Building. After so many years, my job has enabled me to become a cornucopia of knowledge about Tech. Also, I’ve really enjoyed working with the student assistants who have come and gone over the years — these kids are just so aware of what they want to do with their lives, they blow me away. We have the best students here.  

What is most satisfying for you about your work?   
It’s been amazing to meet so many different types of people — from Tech, the Atlanta area and beyond. I want to thank everyone I’ve met through this job for making my time here so enjoyable. Everyone I have met at Georgia Tech has touched my heart, and for that I will always be grateful. I also want to say “hats off” to the folks in Facilities who have always been there to help out. And thank you to Steve for being a great boss.

What has been your greatest professional accomplishment?  
My one major accomplishment… managing my previous boss of 14 years.

What is your favorite spot on campus?
Tech Walk. When you stand up by the library and look down the stairs and walkway to the Student Center, I always feel a nice breeze. It’s like I’m at the beach.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Treat others as you want to be treated.

Where is your favorite place to eat lunch?
Every day my “buds” at the Carnegie Building and I eat at what we like to call the “Carnegie Cantina.” It’s actually a small area in the back where we gather and have had many memorable discussions and laughed.

What are your plans once retirement starts?
I really enjoy taking exercise classes at my community center, so I would like to become a certified group fitness instructor. Specifically, I’d like to teach fitness classes geared toward nursing home populations. Also, I’m eager to get involved in a few church programs that provide a soup kitchen and support for men who are fighting drug and alcohol addiction. Oh, and it will be nice to not have to get up at the crack of dawn if I don’t want to!

]]> 2011-12-12T00:00:00-05:00 For some it’s snakes, and for others it’s spiders. For Jane-Allen Shope, it was the idea of being hooked to a thin wire and zip lining through the treetops of the North Carolina mountains that scared her.

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74151 image <![CDATA[Jane-Allen Shope]]> 193775 image/jpeg Amelia Pavlik
Communications & Marketing
404-385-4142

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