Working
in a World of Women
By Rosemary Jackson
One can only imagine what it is like for a lone male to work in
an office with all females. Such is the life of Dan Cook, an
accountant in Financial Services.
Dan, fondly known as “Dan the man,” has
been with Mount Holyoke for six years. He left his permanent job
and
began working
at MHC in a nine-month temporary position to help launch the Lawson
Financial Accounting system. Two accountant positions became available,
and Dan stepped into one of those positions.
 Dan says it’s been an enjoyable experience because he’s
in a great environment surrounded by people who care about him
and his family. When his wife became pregnant with their second
child, Dan was summoned to the conference room because he was told
they were having a meeting. As Dan entered the room, there were
shouts of “Surprise!” And indeed it was a surprise — a
surprise shower for Dan and his wife, Beth Bone, who was told that
Dan was receiving the Employee of the Month award.
What attracted Dan to Mount Holyoke? “Most of my bosses and
many of my coworkers have been women,” says Dan, “so
I’m very comfortable in an all female environment. Also,
I really wanted to work in a college environment. The benefits
of being able to attend and participate in events like the anti-bias
workshop, the Day of Giving, etc., make me realize that MHC fosters
lifetime learning, not only in my field but also in daily living,
and I truly appreciate that.”
Ironically enough, Dan attended an all boys high
school in Chicago and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.
During the time
that Dan attended the University it was 65% male; it is now
probably closer to 50/50. At the time, he had mostly male friends,
and
because he grew up in a household with three brothers, he was
essentially
functioning in an all-male world.
Although Dan is a numbers man, he enjoys working and interacting
with people even though he seems to be hidden away.” I am
always stashed away in a corner or in some basement,” he
says. “I worked in the basement of Newhall before Admissions
took over the whole building. Jan Albano’s financial group
was housed there. And now I’m in the basement of Skinner
Hall. I’m not complaining,” says Dan, “but I
do joke about this with my coworkers, especially since I’m
the only male.” Dan also admits that he’s put on a
few pounds because of all the goodies that his female coworkers
bring in. “It’s hard to resist!” he exclaims.
Dan is a quiet man with a very quick wit, and one cannot help but
notice those twinkling, mischievous blue eyes.
Shelley Richard, coworker commented, “It is
great to have a man in the office; Dan is called upon for a variety
of things
- his height, along with his brute strength. All kidding aside,
Dan is a great person and friend, and we're glad he lets us pick
on
him.
According to Barbara Pare, a coworker, “Dan
is a great guy to work with. He’s very easy going, has a
good sense of humor and is genuinely a very upbeat guy. He always
has a cheerful greeting
and helpful hand, especially when we have a heavy box to move.
With a floor full of women, Dan is affectionately known as our 'token'
male.”
When asked about the world’s future, Dan stated he’d
like to see a woman as president!
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