“I truly have been blessed,” Dan Maxwell, Campus Center Director, says of his personal and professional life. “Life is really good and I do not, for the most part, have any complaints.”
Maxwell is a devout Catholic and an openly gay man, two things usually considered mutually exclusive, but he is comfortable in his own skin. He came out in his mid-20s and by then was working full time and did not have much to lose. Luckily, his parents listened and affirmed he was loved, as did most everyone else in his life. Being homosexual does not define Maxwell, nor does Catholicism. In both cases, these identities influence the way he thinks and lives but, in the end, he is simply content with being himself.
At the Campus Center Administration offices, the employees have nothing but kind words for their boss. Ann Schilling, the administrative secretary, said Maxwell is very passionate about his job,
compassionate toward his staff and is very open and easy to talk to. She can always go to him with a problem or a question.
“If you have a concern and you go to Dan, you may not get the answer you like but it’s the right answer,” Schilling said.
Maxwell prides himself on his involvement in the community, and, aside from his position at the Campus Center, advises a student organization and is the chair of the Lebian, Gay, Bissexual and Transgender, LGBT, Faculty and Staff Council. He was previously the president of the Association of College Unions International, a nonprofit organization which works with college unions, fulfilling his duties there for two years.
While admitting work has dominated his life in the past, he believes he has become better at balancing professional and personal matters. Some of Maxwell’s highlights away from work came when he found his partner, who he has been with for six years, and was by his side upon completion of his first mini marathon earlier this year. He loves spending time with his family at the beach and, when time permits, reading a good book.
But time does not often permit. At age 46, Maxwell not only holds a demanding job but is also furthering his education. He is currently studying for his doctorate in higher education and student affairs through Indiana University Bloomington and hopes to complete the program in 2013.
His achievements have been accomplished, in part, through determination but he also credits his success to simple preparation. Maxwell holds his head high and speaks with a confident ease but
does not come across as arrogant. He is simply in tune with who he is. However, his most important strength has been his ability to take joy in the work he does.
“I enjoy the fact that I get to work with students, faculty and staff,” Maxwell said. “I really appreciate the fact that my work keeps me engaged with most areas of the campus community. The challenging part of the work is that you cannot be all things to all people.”
Another challenging aspect for Maxwell comes when the students employed as Campus Center student managers, graduate. He feels fortunate to work with so many students.
“We really trust them with everything,” Maxwell said.
The administration offices are tucked away near the parking garage on the second floor. The lobby feels inviting; it is the cushy recliner to the Campus Center’s living room. Maxwell’s office is at the end of the hallway, past the open space holding the technology hub of the office.
It is humble, but not small. A large L-shaped desk and a table with chairs fit comfortably without crowding each other. It is sparsely decorated but displays a few personal touches.
Maxwell sits at the round table and thinks about his future. He believes the next big chapter in his life will be completing his doctorate, which he hopes will open doors for him. In five years, perhaps he will be at a higher level – Vice Chancellor or Vice President. Maybe it will be at IUPUI, maybe somewhere else. As long as he is on a college campus.
Maxwell hopes to be remembered as someone who cared enough to be involved. He has made a commitment to giving back to his community and providing those around him with other perspectives on the world. His purpose is to bring everyone together.
And that he does. Maxwell considers himself blessed in many ways. But, what truly defines him is how blessed others feel by his determination, compassion and leadership.