Meet Rita
Hello, my name is Rita Mitchell. My official title at Cardinal Stritch University is Distance Learning Librarian. I assist students and faculty with our course management system and using library resources off-campus. I also assist students and faculty at the main campus library.
My background is in music. I have an undergraduate degree in Music Performance and two master degrees: Chamber Music Performance and Information and Library Science. Wondering why I got my degree in Information and Library Science? Well, I love to work with people, and I love to learn. As a librarian I get to do both.
When I am not at work, I wear different hats, as you can see in my photos. I play the oboe. I play in a local orchestra and also play weddings and other occasions with my husband, Jim, who is a classical guitarist. The photo included here is one I had taken for a program that I played as a concerto soloist. I teach private oboe lessons to middle school and high school students, which I have done for the past 10 years.
Can you figure out what I am doing in the other photo? I am finishing my very first American Birkebeiner. That is a national cross-country ski race held in Northern Wisconsin. The race is 51 kilometers, and it took me all day, but I crossed the finish line and received my medal. I finished my second "Birkie" this past February. I am looking foward to another snowy winter so I can train for Birkie 2009.
During the winter months I wish for snow, and if we have it I am out skiing the trails in Wisconsin.
During the warmer months you might find me camping at Rock Island State Park in Door County or enjoying one of the many summer festivals in Milwaukee.
