Purdue News

May 1, 1998 JOURNALISTS: Here 's a story idea and Purdue events during the next two weeks. What do mothers really want? What's the best gift on Mother's Day? Flowers? Candy? Perfume? Maybe. But to really impress a mother, try a little respect and appreciation by letting her know you've noticed the many small things she does to serve her family. Shelley MacDermid, Purdue associate professor of child development and family studies, suggests that you make a special effort to let your mom know how you feel. "A lot of things mothers do are just not visible to the family," she says. "Often it's the mother who plans family events, stays in touch with relatives, or puts special snacks in the cupboard for treats." Family members notice when those things aren't done but seldom remember to say thank you when everything's in place. Many mothers feel nearly overwhelmed with responsibility. Between raising a family, performing a job and maintaining a household, mothers can feel that their lives are based on fulfilling other people's needs. MacDermid says Mother's Day is the perfect time to express your appreciation. "Stop and reflect on how much more convenient things are for you because of the daily work, planning and effort of your mother," she says. One of the best things you can do is to put your arms around her and say, "Thank you." CONTACT: Shelley MacDermid, (765) 494-6026; home (765) 477-9651 Events Saturday, May 9. Purdue Employment Expo. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Intercollegiate Athletic Facility. Hiring supervisors will answer questions about more than 100 jobs currently available at Purdue (excluding faculty positions). Attendees can fill out employment applications and, where appropriate, undergo on-site clerical testing and screening interviews. CONTACT: Dana Werner, personnel services recruitment specialist, (765) 494-6239; e-mail: dkwerner@personnel.purdue.edu Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17. Spring commencement ceremonies at West Lafayette. 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day. Elliott Hall of Music. Saturday, May 16. 9:30 a.m. Schools of Agriculture, Education, Management and Veterinary Medicine. 2:30 p.m. Schools of Liberal Arts, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences. Sunday, May 17. 9:30 a.m. Schools of Consumer and Family Sciences, Science, and Technology. 2:30 p.m. All Engineering majors. Journalists who want to cover the ceremonies will need tickets and should reserve space for camera equipment. CONTACTS: Roy A. Johnson, associate registrar, (765) 494-6163, e-mail, rajohn@delta.reg.purdue.edu, or Mike Willis, Purdue News Service, (765) 494-0371, e-mail, mike_willis@purdue.edu Commencement ceremonies at other Purdue campuses: Sunday, May 10. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. 3 p.m. RCA Dome. Tuesday May 12. Purdue North Central. 7:30 p.m. Valparaiso University Chapel. Wednesday May 13. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. 7 p.m. Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum and Exposition Center. Tuesday, May 19. Purdue Calumet at Hammond. 6 p.m. North Lawshe Lawn. Wednesday, May 20. Purdue North Central. 1 p.m. Westville Correctional Center. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page