Krannert employee brings joy to job despite disability

Jason Gulley/Exponent Photographer WORK IT: Zac Brewer, office clerk III for the Krannert School of Management, sits at his computer while working.

By Rachael Conley
Assistant Campus Editor

Afflicted with Down's syndrome, he constantly deals with obstacles most of us will never experience; along with that, his mornings consist of filing, entering data and delivering mail — a life of which he cherishes almost every minute.

Zac Brewer is the office clerk III for the Krannert School of Management.

"I love it," he said. "I love working with the people that I like; I'm like a big helper."

Many of the people Brewer enjoys working with feel the same about him.

"Every day for Zac is a bright day and he really brightens our lives," said Barbara Strueh, manager of facilities and support services for Krannert. "If you're having a bad day, he brings you right out of it."

Brewer works part time, 20 hours a week at Krannert doing office tasks.

In the summer, Brewer works in Krannert's master's degree program.

Kathy Barrett, assistant for Krannert's master's degree program in management, said she enjoys this time with Brewer.

"He's such a nice presence in the office," Barrett said.

She said one day she particularly remembered was one on which he was filing papers in a small storage room.

"He was back filing, and I could hear him singing his ABC's to put them in order," she said. "It's one of those things we all do in our heads, but Zac does it out loud."

Another memory Barrett had of Brewer involved business cards.

"I was preparing business cards for someone and Zac wanted some really, really bad," she said.

Barrett created a business card for Brewer with a word processing program. She included his name, job title, work address and phone just as she would an actual customer.

"I've never had anyone be that thrilled about business cards before," she said with a laugh.

Brewer was the recipient of the first Spirit Award in the history of the Krannert School of Management.

Brewer was given the award by Richard Cosier, dean and Leeds professor in Krannert, for his attitude at work.

With March being Disability Awareness Month, Strueh said Brewer was well suited for the spirit award.

"It exemplifies his enthusiasm for working for our school and for Purdue," she said.

He does data entry, files papers, helps distribute the mail and helps construct and distribute mail packets to perspective Master of Business Administration students and doctoral students, said Strueh.

"He's technically worked for us as a regular employee since October of 2000," she said, "but he actually worked for us for three years prior, as a temporary."

Brewer said one of his favorite times working at Krannert was his birthday. Last year on his birthday, April 12, his co-workers gave him white cake, cards and money.

"That was a fun day," he said. "I love my birthdays over there at Purdue."

Barrett said Brewer also enjoys working with all the students.

"He enjoys helping out when students come in," she said. "He comes to the graduation receptions and gets to dress up and wear a tie. It really thrills him when (the graduates) acknowledge him."

Brewer agreed, "It's neat to see everyone graduate."

Brewer does more than work at Krannert, though. He has a second job at the Lafayette Masonry and participates in the Special Olympics.

Brewer said he has been bowling and golfing in the Special Olympics since he was eight and that both sports are his favorites.

Strueh said overall, Brewer is just a great person to have around.

"He's just a special guy to us," she said.

Krannert employee brings joy to job despite disability

Sorority helps illiterate adults

Family contact benefits everyone

CAMPUS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 253

Campus editor: Kelsey VanArsdall

Assistant Campus editors: Rachael Conley, Matt Lindner

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org