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A Helping Hand in Jewish Life at Duke

Tony Snipes greets and assists visitors at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life

Name: Tony SnipesPosition: Staff assistant, Jewish Life at DukeYears at Duke: 16

What I do at Duke: I am a staff assistant here at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life at Duke. I perform administrative duties that include providing support to colleagues in our office, reconciling financial transactions and coordinating reports about our programs. I serve as the initial point of contact for the office and handle sensitive and confidential information, as well as respond to students and staff, faculty and family members. I work with all departments here at the Freeman Center for Jewish Life that may need some type of assistance in order to get the job done.

If I had $5 million, I would: first donate to different organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Salvation Army, American Red Cross and churches. I would then make some types of investments for my retirement, start a nest egg for rainy days, pay off debts and continue to become more of a blessing to my family.

My first ever job: was working with my father in our family business, R.L. Snipes Grocery convenience store. I would pump gas and check the oil and transmission along with air pressure in the tires. Working with my father at a young age taught me that public relations is a means of survival. With public relations, you learn to be personable and how to talk to people, whether it be verbally or through body language.

My dream job: I would enjoy being able to work with dislocated youth and adults on job readiness skills and connect them with Habitat for Humanity. This would give each person a sense of security and accomplishment, better known as the American dream. This would also enable one to obtain a sense of independence.

The best advice I ever received: would be something my dad told me years ago: ‘Always work hard because sooner or later, all of your good deeds will be noticed by the right person or persons.’

Tony Snipes
Tony Snipes, staff assistant for Jewish Life at Duke, meets with program coordinator Jennifer Handel to discuss her expense report regarding a trip to Israel.

What I love about Duke: The opportunity here is great, the diversity here is great, the job exposure is great, and you’re able to meet so many different people from so many different places. Everybody has different perceptions, but there is only one common goal, which is to become successful with your career path. You’re never bored, and there’s always something new and exciting being implemented here at Duke.

When I’m not at work, I like to: spend time with family. Regardless of what we do or where we go, each moment is memorable. I really enjoy working in the garden at home and keeping the landscape appealing.

Something most people don’t know about me: I am a Sunday school teacher and have been for over five years now. Interestingly enough, karma is alive and well, because growing up as a child, my parents would put me on the Sunday school van to go to Sunday school, and I did not like that because it was too early in the morning.

An interesting/memorable day at work: When I received the Office Staff Development Program certificate of completion at the Professional Development Institute and completed the Duke Financial Certification Program as a financial services specialist. These are achievements that I will not forget; they have allowed me to enhance my skills and become more knowledgeable about what Duke has to offer, which has allowed me to better serve parents, students and employees.