October 2008

Spotlight on Staff: Sterling Lott

Born and raised in Northwest D.C., Sterling Lott has worked at GW for 32 years—every day with a smile on his face. Lott, who was born with cerebral palsy, first got a job at Gelman Library through a vocational rehabilitation program in 1977. Today, he is a library specialist and still enjoys his work, citing the great environment and his wonderful colleagues.

In 2005, Lott suffered an injury called spinal stenosis—a displaced vertebra in his spine caused a debili¬tating pinched nerve in his neck. At first, he was unable to walk, but with a great attitude and a lot of physical therapy, he is mobile again with the help of his scooter. He credits his many close friends at GW with helping him recover.

Q: Tell me about your job.
A: I do data entry and maintain a database. I update bibliographical records of authors, and when a book is too old or outdated I take it off the shelves and delete it from the computer system. Gelman Library has more than 2 million books. I like my job. The best thing about working here is the people.

Q: What do you like to read?
A: I prefer to read sports magazines. I read Sports Illustrated and Ebony and Jet magazines. I love football and the Redskins! I have been to the new baseball stadium, Nationals Park, three times.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I like to travel. My wife, Sheri, and I went to Myrtle Beach, S.C., in July. This weekend we’re going to Baltimore. We are in a birthday club with some friends and the person whose birthday it is gets to pick the restaurant. This time we’re going to the Cheesecake Factory in Baltimore. I always choose to go to T.G.I.Friday’s, but I think my friends might be getting tired of it. I’d better find a new place, like the Olive Garden!

Q: What does a perfect weekend look like to you?
A: I like spending my weekends out and about in D.C. I go to church on Sundays and watch football in the afternoon. But, if I could choose, I would go to Ocean City. My wife and I like to walk on the beach and watch the waves. We also enjoy walking up and down the boardwalk.

Q: Do you have family in D.C.?
A: Yes. I am the youngest of nine children. I was very spoiled as a child, especially by my mother. I now have three siblings left and so many nieces and nephews that I’ve lost count! Family is very important to me, and we get together a lot and talk about old times.

Q: If you could be reincarnated, who would you like to be reborn as?
A: My favorite person is Muhammad Ali. To be truthful, though, I’d like to come back as myself, but I would like to be more physically active. I hope and pray that I will be able to work until I am at least 65, but I will work as long as my body allows me.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu