Kami Duran likes the variety and challenge of working in Human Resources.

The Office of Human Resources on the fifth floor of the Administration Building is Kami Duran’s domain. A classified employee for Metro State, the title of Administrative Assistant III barely describes the many tasks Duran takes on daily. For almost seven years Duran has been doing anything and everything that needs doing—usually all at once.

“I multi-task. It’s a good feeling working at HR. You get variety,” Duran says, “I’m never bored. I’m busy every single day.”

Answering questions for faculty and staff, managing the file room, keeping track of paperwork, and delegating tasks to the work-study students are all managed while supporting five managers and the director. Fifteen years of customer service experience shows in her commitment to her job, but Duran is quick to include her entire department in that commitment.

“We’re here to work for the employees of Metro State. I have to give us all credit. We all do it together. Whenever we have a crisis, we are a team.”

But it is certainly Duran’s cheerful demeanor and competence that helps the team stay upbeat and helpful. “It’s always very good to pick up that phone with a smile on your face,” Duran says with a wide smile that beautifully illustrates her point.

“My favorite aspect is customer service. Solving problems. I like a challenge,” she says.

Enjoying a challenge is evident in Duran’s personal life as well. Once she marries in less than a week, Duran’s four children will be added to her fiancé George’s three children.

“So, between the two of us we have seven,” she grins.

The oldest of four in her original family—all native Coloradans who remain in the state to this day—Duran admits that she loves children and would have even more, except that she’s already got two grandchildren.

As she explains her upcoming marriage, a delightful love story unfolds.

“It’s like a fairy tale come true. We dated one summer in high school then George was shipped off to the Air Force,” Duran explains.

Three years ago in August they got in touch online through Classmates.com. She e-mailed George and he wrote back immediately. “Oh my gosh. Is it you?” she recalls him asking. Engaged on New Year’s Day, Duran will wed June 1. “My 21 year-old and her boyfriend are going to stand up with us.”

They plan a simple wedding but a lavish reception. Will George be wearing his uniform as he stands beside her? No, but that uniform is not going anywhere. It has a special place in both their hearts.

“That’s the last I saw him was in his uniform,” Duran remembers.