USAC Meet a Member: Valerie Lorusso
What department do you work in and what is your job title?
I work in Student Affairs Finance as an Administrative Coordinator.
How long have you been a Vanderbilt employee?
I’ve been with Vanderbilt just over six years.
How long have you been a part of USAC and how has it impacted you?
I am a new USAC member for the 2025 fiscal year. I’m learning more about how changes are made within the University and meeting new and interesting people.
What has been your career journey to lead you to where you are today?
Before being a stay-at-home Mom, I worked in radio and publishing, but when my daughters started school I returned to work as a substitute teacher which I loved. I decided I needed a more dependable job (with benefits) and went to work at Northern Illinois University (for 13 years) where I got the higher education bug. When deciding to move south, Vanderbilt was the obvious choice and here I am.
What do you enjoy most about Vanderbilt? (i.e. missions, benefits, views of sustainability, community, etc.)?
I really enjoy the people I work with in Student Affairs and love working with students and seeing them blossom and grow into wonderful human beings. Of course they have a lot of bumps in the road, but I enjoy helping them navigate. From what I understand, Student Affairs is more fun than some divisions and I love that.
What is the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?
Say, “yes” often, but don’t be afraid to say “no.” Also, it’s less important to be right than to do the right thing.
What is one important skill every person should have?
Customer service! Treat people well and you will reap the benefits.
What is the best perk you have ever had at a job?
Getting paid to see concerts. I put myself through college working as an usher in Chicago seeing the best shows in the best venues while learning the best life lessons. I owe it all to Andy Frain, Sr.
Do you feel like you have a good work/life balance?
Yes.
What do you enjoy doing to relieve stress?
Watch the Cubs, but that can bring stress, too. But I love to cook and shop, too.
Are you more productive at night or in the morning? Do you think it is possible to change and get used to a new schedule?
I’m a night owl! I have hated mornings my entire life and don’t think that is going to change anytime soon.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be Starsky (of Starsky & Hutch – the TV show, NOT the movie).
If you could visit any country with no budget, where would you visit?
Italy. I’d love to see where my father’s family came from in Sicily.
What is your favorite type of music?
70s and 80s pop and rock. There has never been better music.
What has been your favorite vacation you have ever been on?
Either Hawaii or Arizona to see the Cubs and the Grand Canyon.
What are you most proud of in your life thus far?
That my family loves me.
Name two things you consider yourself to be good at?
Cooking and parallel parking.
What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Going to a baseball game or hanging at the beach.
If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?
Sleeping.