Meet a Colleague: Mike Hepner Mike Hepner serves as a laboratory technician for the biology department.
Mike Hepner, biology laboratory technicianQ. How long have you worked at W&L?
I have been working at W&L for seven years.
Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
It’s a more relaxed atmosphere compared to my previous career.
Q. Where is your favorite location on the W&L campus?
The fifth floor greenhouse in the science center. It is very bright and has nice views and oxygen, which I’ve grown fond of over the years.
Q. Where did you grow up?
Adelphi, Maryland (suburbs) with summers and weekends on a small beef farm in Shenandoah County, Virginia.
Q. What advice do you have for students (or parents)?
Do what you have a passion for and it won’t feel like work. The money will follow at some point or won’t seem as important. Also laugh every day. Take your time and choose your mate wisely. And stretch!
Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
Lasso a wild cow and deliver her calf – which I’ve done maybe 50 times – just not the same cow! Every day was an adventure in my previous career.
Q. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Hunt, fish, forage and cook the results.
Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
Rockbridge County, but with more acreage. I love it here!
Q. Who most inspires you?
My parents. They were children of the Depression, learned to work, save, be thankful and live within their means. They faced adversity through the years, but were always happy. Who doesn’t want to be happy?
Q. What book are you reading now?
“Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles. I alternate fiction and nonfiction. However, don’t get the impression that I am well-read!
Q. What music are you listening to these days?
Mostly 80’s rock – they haven’t made any since.
Q. What is your desert island food?
Sounds crazy and a little like Dwight Schrute from “The Office,” but bear meat. I would say venison, but it doesn’t have enough fat.
Q. What is your favorite movie of all-time?
“Dumb and Dumber.” The movie makes me feel smart!
Q. What website do you visit most often?
Troutbitten.com. The site has great information about fly fishing for trout.
Q. What is your secret talent?
I can see the future but only without my glasses. Unfortunately, everything is blurry and uninterpretable.
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