Sept. 20, 2005 issue

Being involved in the Homecoming festivities gives me a chance to get to know the faculty and staff, and it's fun to watch the students as they change through the years. It's a great opportunity to get feedback from the students to see what works for them and what doesn't.

During Homecoming, I am a behind-the-scenes kind of guy in the sense that I am responsible for gathering all of the flags for the parade and obtaining the video equipment to show the movies, among other things.

I actually graduated from Eastern Michigan with my bachelor's degree in business administration and my master's degree in hotel and restaurant management. I was drawn back here because, after working at other hotels and at the University of Michigan, it is truly more of a family-like atmosphere here. I love the people and you know everybody. The warm and inviting environment is one of the things that keeps me here.

My job allows me to meet a ton of different students and we are always learning from each other. You just can't beat that mutual exchange. Working with them keeps me young and it's fun to help them get ready for the workplace. I tell the students that, if things aren't working for them, to let me know. If they can't find their niche, it won't matter. I want them to find a job that they will like.

 

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