SIRIS Volunteer Profile - Darla Loftus

Meet Darla Loftus, assistant to the University Archivist in the Special Collections Research Center at Morris Library and a SIRIS volunteer reader. Loftus has worked in Special Collections for 23 years and handles out-dated University records and history questions.

Originally from Willisville, Illinois, Loftus was raised by her grandparents and came to Southern Illinois University as a first-generation college student. As the first in her family to graduate from college, she understands the importance of having access to a variety of educational resources.

Loftus became involved with the Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS) three years ago after recording a voiceover as part of a promotional campaign for the new library. Loftus found that she really enjoyed recording and wanted to use her new found skill to give back to the community.

A friend recommended that Loftus volunteer at SIUC as a SIRIS reader and for the past year, Loftus has been doing just that. "I thinks it's important for me to volunteer - it's a way for me to give back," Loftus says. "My grandmother lost her sight to diabetes towards the end of her life and when I was born premature, doctors thought that I might have vision issues, as well." Loftus explains that at the time of her birth, many premature babies suffered severe visual impairment or lost their eyesight completely due to an overexposure to oxygen in incubators, which damaged the optic nerve.

Loftus says her close relationship with a loved one who suff ered vision loss, and being very near to losing her own sight, has given her an insider's understanding of the importance of the services SIRIS provides. "The most fulfi lling part of being a SIRIS volunteer is providing individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled with a much-needed service," she says.

In the future, Loftus would like to see more publicity in the community about SIRIS and it's role as a vital educational resource in our region. Naturally, Loftus is a WSIU fan, in particular of music and historical programs. "I love [the local student produced program] Studio A Presents. It's my favorite on WSIU-TV. I also like historical programs, especially those about people who have lived, worked, or gone to school in Southern Illinois."

When Loftus is not volunteering, she enjoys traveling with her husband, working in her yard, spoiling her cat, or singing karaoke. She has a particular fondness for country music and loves to sing Patsy Cline songs.

"I think that everyone involved with SIRIS is doing a beautiful job," Loftus shares. "It's a worthwhile and necessary service, and we need it." Learn how you can give back to your community as a SIRIS volunteer by calling (618) 453-2808 or clicking on the SIRIS tab at wsiu.org.