Patti Infanti, Financial Services financial systems analyst

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Lethbridge, so I have so many deep connections to this wonderful community. I still have friends that I met as a young child! My uncle, Dr. Neil Holmes, was on the board of governors at the University when it was housed in the Lethbridge Junior College. He was on the committee that was instrumental in bringing ULethbridge to where it is now.

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I started my career in 1989 in the Cash Office after working at a local credit union. A friend and previous employee, Sheila Lowe, told me about an opening for a part-time position. It was perfect as I had two young daughters at home. When I came for the interview, the person interviewing me was smoking a cigarette in his office!

After a few years, I left the Cash Office for a part-time accounting position in Financial Services. During that time, I gave birth to two amazing but rambunctious twin boys. Eventually, I turned my employment to full time by adding a part-time position in a few other departments. I have worked in the Library, Facilities, Post Office, Music Conservatory and Advancement. Oh, the people I met and the stories I could tell!

In 2007, I left Financial Services for a full-time position in the Faculty of Management (now known as Dhillon School of Business). I worked there until 2015 when I returned home to Financial Services where I am today. It really did feel like coming home.

The main purpose of my job now is to help other employees navigate the various online financial systems and processes so they can do what they need to do. I have been here so long that I seem to know a little bit about everything or at least know where all the bodies are buried.

What’s the best part of your job?

I can honestly say that I love my job and feel so honoured to have been able to work with the kindest and most conscientious people I have ever met. I have enjoyed getting to know so many wonderful people on a personal level and have always felt proud to be a part of the University community.

As you look ahead to retirement, what will you miss the most about ULethbridge or are there any special memories of your time here you’d like to share?
ULethbridge has been my home for almost 33 years! Now that I have decided to retire at the end of June this year, I do so with some trepidation on leaving this ULethbridge family. Luckily, I have made lifelong friendships that I know will continue after I leave. I get to take one of my best friends, Margot Aasman, with me. In fact, she is paving the way by leaving a month before me. I know there may be some wine drinking in our future.

I would like to apologize ahead of time to the caretaking staff when I leave for finding all the hidden popcorn kernels under my desk as that was my snack of choice every day!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? What do your plans for the future entail?
My wonderful husband, Dave, has been patiently waiting for me to retire so that I can help him with all the projects he has put off. However, working from home during the pandemic gave me insight as to what really happens at home when I am not there. Seriously though, I am really looking forward to spending time golfing and biking with Dave. We have planned a fantastic trip down the Oregon coast with stops in San Francisco, San Diego, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Best of all, I will get to spend more time with my four grown children and my two precious grandsons! I can’t wait!!