Vicki Plata began her career at Cleveland State University the day after graduating in 1971 with a BA degree. She worked 15 years in various university offices before coming to work at CSU|LAW in 1986, beginning a 21-year tenure. From her first days on the job, she realized she had come to a special place in the University – that this College was about providing an opportunity to people who might not have become law students. She saw faculty and staff work hard for student success, and the students respond by becoming fervently supportive alumni. As Budget Director, she interacted with all departments and many student organizations and served on several law school committees.  As a member of the Art Committee, she found the atrium mobile in pieces in a storeroom and donated the funds to have it restored and rehung in the atrium in honor of her father. Her University leadership included serving as President of the Professional Staff Organization, Co-Chair of the Faculty Staff Fund Raising Appeal, Treasurer of the Howe Mansion Restoration Committee and member of the University Fiscal Officers and HR Liaison Committees. Upon retirement, she and her husband Jack established an endowment to purchase law library materials that later expanded to include support for the faculty research material allowance.   In retirement, she has kept her connection to the University through the CSU Retirees Association eventually serving as President, Vice President and Treasurer, and as a 30-year men’s basketball season ticket holder. She also volunteers with the Cleveland Metroparks as a trail ambassador and cantors and sings in the choir of her parish.