Becky St. Clair and her family moved to PUC two years ago when her husband accepted a librarian position. Coming from years at Andrews University, she is still getting used to the many many warm days we experience here in Sunny California. Becky spends most of her workdays in the department of music and Paulin Center for the Arts where she works as the office manager. She also contract writes for the public relations office. 

What brought you to PUC? How/Why did you decide to work here? 

My husband brought me here. He was hired as a librarian on campus, and shortly after we arrived I started freelance writing for the college. My background is in PR (a dozen years or so), so it was a good fit. Since then I’ve taken the position in the department of music, which allows me to use all the skills I’ve learned in my various jobs as an adult, plus I get to be around musicians all day. They’re my people and I love them.

What is the best thing about being a part of the Pioneers family?

 I love that so many PUC employees care deeply about the college. They go to great lengths to find solutions to problems, make improvements to their areas, and generally make PUC a better place to live, work, and go to school.  

Where is your favorite place to eat in the Valley and why? 

I recently discovered Tarla in Napa, and I’m rather in love … just not with the prices. Lol! So I will do appetizers or dessert there with a friend or on date night with the hubster (don’t tell him I called him that), but if I’m going to eat out, it’s definitely going to be Calistoga Thai Kitchen. They’re never busy and their curry is fantastic. Insider tip: Tarla has an appetizer of cheese with apricots … that they serve EN FLAMBE. If that doesn’t make you feel fancy, I don’t know what will. And their Turkish coffee is phenomenal, plus it’s served in a gorgeous Turkish coffee cup with a saucer! 

What is something you can do/want to do that might be surprising for people to learn? 

I was a voice and percussion double minor in college, and my favorite instrument to play is the marimba. 

What is one song you’re listening to on repeat lately? 

I know this is old hat, but I love A Million Dreams (and all the other songs) from The Greatest Showman. I could also listen to Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium or Eric Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque or Maurice Ravel’s Pavane pour une infant défunte or even David Holsinger’s Abram’s Pursuit on repeat all day. I know I cheated on this question … sorry!  

Who is someone you admire and why? 

A former boss-turned-mentor of mine from my first-ever PR job. She took me into her office many times and asked how I was doing, what I wanted to do with my career, where I saw myself in ten years, and how she could help me get there. She modeled (and still models) true, meaningful leadership and taught me how to be a professional and a mom, while still also being true to my own self. She listened well, asked thoughtful questions, and had a killer sense of humor. She had a firm grasp of what was happening in all areas under her purview but trusted everyone in their roles to do their jobs and do them well. She wasn’t afraid of difficult conversations or challenging projects, deadlines, or goals; in fact, she encouraged me to shoot for the moon, never stop learning, and to find growth opportunities in every situation. I want to be like her when I grow up. 

 Finish this sentence: On Sunday mornings you can find me … 

Snuggled into the corner of my couch, coffee in one hand, book in another. And I can promise you it won’t be the same book two Sundays in a row!