After 36 years of service to the University of Arkansas community, Pam Delaney, student health insurance representative at Pat Walker Health Center, is retiring.

Throughout her career, Delaney has aided students with health insurance as an employee of the student health insurance company, Academic Health Plans.

She has been instrumental in helping students manage the complexities of health care — from ensuring students better understand their health insurance, to helping them navigate the financial elements associated with health care. 

Her impact is not just measured by the thousands of students and families she's helped over the years, but by the relationships she has built all over the world.

"Ms. Delaney's expertise in student health insurance has helped students understand how to acquire, use and monitor their health insurance," said Mary Alice Serafini, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and executive director of the health center. "A remarkable student-first advocate, she is always concerned for a student's health and their access to quality health care through their insurance policy." 

Health insurance is vital for all students. Without health insurance, unexpected medical bills can be devastating and affect a student's ability to stay in school. Delaney has supported and assisted students, especially within the international community, and advocated for more graduate assistant health insurance benefits. 

"We all know how complicated insurance can be. I always try to put myself in their shoes and explain the insurance policy where it is easily understood," said Delaney. "This job has made me a better listener. Every student has a story to tell and I have loved listening to them over the years."

To honor Pam's contributions to the campus' health, Pat Walker Health Center and Academic Health Plans is hosting a retirement celebration on Thursday, Nov. 14 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in rooms 2001 and 2004 of the health center. The entire campus community is invited and light refreshments will be provided.

"I am so appreciative to have worked alongside such wonderful, compassionate staff at Pat Walker Health Center. We have the most capable health care professionals, all providing necessary and impactful services for the U of A," said Delaney.

Delaney will complete her service to the campus community on Nov. 30. 

"I am going to miss my interactions with students, and teaching them how to navigate their medical plan," said Delaney. "I have made so many friends with students all over the world. It has been a pleasure hearing about their families, future jobs and what life is like in their country."