Campus News

Who is Jackie Fortino?

January 5, 2021

Yvonne Gay

A portrait of Jackie Fortino wearing a sweater.
Jackie Fortino.
Photo credit: Bryan Rubin ’18

Can you guess what Jackie Fortino’s favorite thing is about Oberlin? It’s the people.

“It is great to see students become successful alums. I am currently working with two alums who are now my colleagues,” says Fortino. “The hardest part of this pandemic has been the lack of personal interaction with the students and faculty. I have always felt that Oberlin's greatest assets are the people.” Read more about Fortino in this installment of Who Am I?

Name: Jackie Fortino

Department and location on campus: Computer Science and Anthropology Departments in the King Building

Job title: Department Administrative Assistant

What does your job entail? Support staff for all faculty and students in CSCI and ANTHRO. I have been the backup support for multiple departments, including the Math Department. Everything from preparation of catalog copy, budget, supplies, communications, and arranging events to assisting students in their needs. Plus everything in between.

How many years at Oberlin? 20 years

What are your hobbies? My most favorite thing to do is spend time with my three grandchildren. I'm a season ticket holder to the Cleveland Playhouse (second only to NYC). Traveling and dining with my husband and friends.

Nickname(s)? Jackie is short for Jacqueline

Favorite food? Anyone who knows me knows my go-to snack is pretzels. I do not travel without them, haha.

Favorite Quote? It is hard to choose, but I would have to go with the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” Matthew 7:12. Adding my mother’s tagline to that: Don't expect anything in return. 

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