On Saturday, July 1, 2017 we lost a valued colleague, Karen Logan.

Karen joined the Department of Physics in December 2013 to assume the role of Administrative Assistant, taking over for Judy Swicegood. This is an extremely important position in the Department as it is the central staff position with responsibility for running the main Departmental Office and for overseeing all aspects of Departmental affairs such as student employment, room assignments, greeting visitors, answering general inquiries via email or phone, and planning and executing Departmental functions such as weekly social gatherings, graduation and dissertation receptions, etc. We originally thought Karen would be an excellent choice for this critical position because she was working toward earning her undergraduate degree during her off hours, outside of work. We thought this desire for personal improvement would be a great predictor of her approach to work in her professional career. This ended up being the case as Karen was always trying to make things better, both inside and outside the department. She also was working as part of the Thrive projects to be more healthy, while continuing to take classes at Salem College. Karen learned both on the job, and by taking classes through Wake Forest’s Professional Development Center. She was a model citizen of the Physics Department and a good example to others. In addition, Karen was a gentle soul with an easygoing personality who always made strangers feel welcome, and who did so much to calm stressed out students, staff, and faculty when issues arose that might cause some tension. She was a very considerate person, who always brought in delicious treats to mark the many holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Pi Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and New Year’s holidays. These treats were usually themed, such as green-frosted cookies for St. Patrick’s Day, or black or orange frosted cupcakes for Halloween. We will long remember the many kindnesses and concerns she expressed when family members got sick or needed medical care, and we will miss her sweet demeanor and friendly smile.

A memorial service for Karen will be held July 12, 2017 at 3 p.m. in Wait Chapel on the campus of Wake Forest University.