Title
Dolores Helm
Preview
Award Year
2004
Title of Position
Director of Arnold Health Services
Description
Dolores Helm is the 2004 winner of the Max L. Starkey Service Award at Illinois Wesleyan University. Wisecracking humor is one of Helm’s trademarks. Jokes are just one of the ways she puts her patients at ease. “It sounds cliche, but empathy oozed from her,” said Craig Southern ’85, who saw Helm often when he was a student. “She gave me allergy shots for five years, and, I have to say, she made it an enjoyable experience.” Southern remembers complaining to Helm about not being able to run quickly because of his allergies. She looked at the 19-year-old and deadpanned, “Well, it’s because you’re old. It’s all downhill from here.” He still laughs at the line. “Her wit and caring made it easier.” “She always makes light conversation, especially when something is worrying a student,” agrees Keyona Jarrett ’06, a student worker at Health Service. “When I think of Dolores, I think of her as a healer,” says Matthews. “I have no doubt she will remain in health care. It’s what she does.”