year in review 2016 - michigan state university · 2017-01-12 · 2 serving state | fall 2016...

Fall 2016

A publication of The Division of Residential and Hospitality Services at Michigan State

YEAR IN REVIEW 2016

2 SERVING STATE | FALL 2016

CONGRATULATIONSGRADUATES

The Division of Residential and Hospitality Services would like to congratulate all the

outgoing student employees and wish them the best of luck in their post-graduate

endeavors. In addition to serving students, the campus community and the general

public, RHS strives to support student employees as they learn, mature and persist

toward graduation. We hope all students who were employed within the division

during their time at MSU gained experience and knowledge that will help them to

deliver outstanding Spartan experiences wherever their lives may take them.

SERVING STATE | FALL 2016 3

KEEPING UP WITH CHANGING TRENDSA MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES

As an institution, Michigan State University keeps its eye not on where it is, but on where it can be.

Spartans visualize their successes and premeditate their victories. Our students demonstrate this principle on a regular basis. Performers in the MSU Auditorium see themselves delivering an immersive monologue or breathtaking sonata before the curtains open. Athletes see the crucial catch or game-ending spike being made before the ball ever heads their way. Future engineers or doctors imagine themselves working through exam problems before test booklets are handed out. Seeing is believing.

Residential and Hospitality Services is committed to measuring its progress and accomplishments. With the size of our division, there are a wide variety of data points to be measured. How many cookies did MSU Bakers sell? How many shirts did Spartan Linen Services press? How many hallways did facilities crews polish? Numbers alone are a great tool, but infographics help us visualize our story.

This edition of Serving State focuses more heavily on visual storytelling through infographics. Visual content, as opposed to long-form written content, is increasingly becoming what our audiences demand, particularly the younger generations. Within RHS, we are committed to a mindset of servant leadership. Our strategies and tactics are dictated by what our guests are looking for in their Spartan experiences, and we adjust to them accordingly. Keeping up with changing trends is a cornerstone of having an eye toward the future.

There’s beauty to behold in the work of RHS team members, too. As cooks, receptionists or tennis coaches interact with students and community members, they brighten each of their days, shaping their attitudes and improving the quality of their lives. That beauty, rooted in pleasant and human interactions, can be captured in an infographic as well. It’s not what we do, but who we do it for that gives our work meaning. Across Residential and Hospitality Services, we measure

Vennie GoreVice President, Auxiliary Enterprises

“OUR STRATEGIES AND TACTICS ARE DICTATED BY WHAT

OUR GUESTS ARE LOOKING FOR IN THEIR SPARTAN

EXPERIENCES, AND WE ADJUST TO THEM ACCORDINGLY.

KEEPING UP WITH CHANGING TRENDS IS A CORNERSTONE

OF HAVING AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE.”

ourselves in the lives we have changed while delivering outstanding Spartan experiences.

With Warmest Regards,

DIVISION OF RESIDENTIAL AND HOSPITALITY SERVICES Auxiliary EnterprisesCulinary ServicesResidence Education and Housing ServicesSpartan Hospitality Grouprhs.msu.edu

Serving State is an online publication for guests and partners of the Division of Residential and Hospitality Services at Michigan State University. Our goal is to share divisional news and initiatives with Team MSU. Serving State is produced by the Residential and Hospitality Services Information Services Creative Team, 373 Service Road, Michigan State University, 517-353-9147.

Editors Casey Bye, Ilene Davis

Design & Layout Elizabeth Ayres, Linda Beach, Libby Singh

Photography Amanda McCafferty, Darien Velasquez

Contributing Writers Casey Bye, Ilene Davis, Amanda McCafferty, Darien Velasquez

• Apartments for single students and student families• Retail space to include Sparty’s Market, Starbucks, Spartan Spirit

Shop and ticket office• Student resources, including fitness room, bookable community

space, Student Employment Office, Housing Assignments Office, community gardens, outdoor play space and more

• Office space for RHS and Intercollegiate Athletics administrators• Event parking to replace the parking currently on the site

Any questions on the project can be directed to [email protected]

Keep up with the latest news on

at future.rhs.msu.edu


CONTENTSIN THIS ISSUE

3 KEEPING UP WITH CHANGING TRENDS A MESSAGE FROM VPAE VENNIE GORE

6 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT RHS PLANNING AND PROJECTS OFFICE

8 DIVISIONAL FISICAL RESPONSIBILITY

10 RHS SCORECARD 12 CULINARY SERVICES SCORECARD 14 RESIDENCE EDUCATION AND HOUSING SERVICES SCORECARD

16 SPARTAN HOSPITALITY GROUP SCORECARD

18 SUSTAINABILITY SCORECARD

20 AROUND THE DIVISION

24 MEET RHS INTRODUCING OUR TEAM MEMBERS

6


PLANNING AND PROJECTS OFFICE PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS IN RHS THROUGH THE PLANNING,

DESIGN AND COORDINATION OF CONSTRUCTION RELATED PROJECTS. PPO ALSO TACKLES INITIATIVES RELATED

TO SUSTAINABILITY AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE. FORMERLY KNOWN AS CONSTRUCTION MAINTENANCE

AND INTERIOR DESIGN, THE GROUP BECAME DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT IN 2010 TO FOCUS ON

PROJECTS AND MAINTENANCE FOR UNITS. IN 2013, THE DEPARTMENT WAS RENAMED TO PPO, EMPHASIZING

ITS SUPPORT TO THE OPERATING UNITS. READ ON TO LEARN ABOUT SOME OF THE COOL AND EXCITING FACTS

THE PPO INTERIOR DESIGN TEAM HAS TO OFFER.

TOP 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT RHS PLANNING AND PROJECTS OFFICE

The interior design, project managers and administrative support teams work with all departments of RHS, REHS, Culinary Services, Spartan Hospitality Group and Information Services, as well as other departments within the university, including Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, and Art on Campus. The teams collaborate with these groups to help create environments that develop community within residence halls, dining facilities, lounges, neighborhoods, offices, the MSU Union and throughout Spartan Hospitality Group.

Interior designers must have a bachelor’s degree in interior design or a similar degree. It is an ever-changing profession that combines many aspects of the creative process, along with technical aspects. They must have knowledge of construction techniques, HVAC systems, lighting, plumbing, state and local building codes and regulations, as well as be able to read between the lines, really listen to clients and ask the right questions. RHS project managers are degree- trained professionals with backgrounds in construction and facilities. Their skills assist departments in project development, coordination and delivery as well as troubleshooting problems throughout RHS. The administrative support team assists in procurement, project tracking, project delivery and long-range planning.

1 education

collaboration

2 constructionThe Construction Maintenance and Interior Design department was developed in reaction to the building surge in the 1960s. In fiscal year 2015–16, PPO received 471 new projects and closed 290. 1855 Place’s new office building and 429 apartment units, including townhouse style units, studios, two- and four-bedroom units, and family housing, has been a big focus of the design team recently.

“RHS Planning and Projects continues to excel by helping RHS plan, coordinate and expedite renovation and construction projects large and small; over $200 million in 2015–16. This number could be intimidating, but through multi stakeholder collaboration, detailed planning and execution, the majority of these projects were delivered on time, on budget and have exceeded customer expectations. These construction and renovation projects help support the academic mission, assist with cultural and diversity needs of our students and customers and help our team members in delivering Spartan experiences.” — Planning and Projects Officer Diane Barker


Interior Design student team members belong to the Association of University Designers, an organization that allows for networking and learning opportunities.

The team works with charitable organizations such as the Girls and Boys Club to build relationships with potential future Spartans.

Understanding the environmental implications, including the interior environment, that people will inhabit, such as air quality, waste disposal and recycling, is an important aspect of Planning and Projects. Combining these components to create an environment that is safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing helps contribute to the success of MSU’s students.

Student team members specialize in many areas to support design, construction, sustainability, and health and safety. The teams stay in touch with many of their past student team members to watch them grow in their careers and provide career advice.

The team often visits, tours and listens to what other universities are doing to stay up-to-date on best practices and trends and to find out what does and does not work. Recent visits have included University of Texas, University of Washington, Seattle University, Oakland University and Grand Valley State.

teamwork (makes the dream work)

sustainability

nonprofit

travel

Interior designers and project managers are conscientious of “Anthropometrics,” which is the study of the human body and its movement. They are required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which “prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation.” 3

“RHS Health and Safety and RHS Sustainability should be applauded for their outstanding efforts. RHS Health and Safety ensures our team members are trained to be safe at work, and ready to deal with emergency situations and that our building systems and safety equipment are in good working order. This all leads to customers and team members working and living in a safe and healthy environment. Something none of us should take for granted.” — Planning and Projects Officer Diane Barker

Interior designers and projects managers use computer programs, including AutoCAD, Photoshop and Sketchup, which allow them to create visualizations and help render floor plans of a space. This helps in future installations of proper furniture and finishes that are correct for the specific project and ensures proper building signage components and a way to find solutions to problems before they arrive.

technology

HOLDEN HALL ENGAGEMENT CENTER – LOWER LEVEL MSU DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

ada compliance

networking

DIVISIONAL FISCAL RESPONSIBILITYFISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ENTAILS OPERATING

WITHIN OUR MEANS, USING FINANCIAL

RESOURCES WISELY AND MAKING FINANCIAL

DECISIONS IN AN OPEN AND TRANSPARENT WAY.

by Bob Patterson, RHS Chief Financial Officer


Thanks to all Residential and Hospitality Services (RHS) team members for their efforts in making fiscal year 2015–16 successful from both a mission and a margin perspective. It was an excellent fiscal year.

For the Division of RHS, the goal of fiscal responsibility is to support its mission of delivering outstanding Spartan experiences to students, guests and customers. Within that goal, remaining financially viable is critical. RHS has three specific financial objectives to be achieved through net income from operations: 1) to pay debt service costs, 2) provide just-in-time maintenance funds for repairs and improvements, and 3) maintain an adequate reserve balance to address unforeseen emergencies.

RHS is a self-supporting auxiliary of MSU. It does not receive any funding from the state of Michigan or MSU student tuition. The division must effectively compete with

services provided in the private sector such as housing, dining, lodging, entertainment and banquet services, golf and tennis. The division must earn business every day and do its best to serve students, guests and customers. Residential student retention and repeat customer business are the keys to financial success. Financial success in turn allows RHS to continually improve services and facilities to further its mission.

RHS is fortunate to be a part of an institution like MSU that is operated in a fiscally responsible manner. As part of the university, RHS must also continue to operate efficiently to provide good value and keep the cost of education affordable to students.

Thanks to all RHS students and team members for their diligent efforts to help keep RHS fiscally responsible. 3



RESIDENTIAL ANDHOSPITALITY SERVICES

YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16RHS

ScorecardFinancial results for fiscal 2015-16 were good for RHS, with net income exceeding both the budgeted target amount and the prior year levels. Many factors contributed to this strong financial result with Residence Education and Housing Services, Culinary Services and Spartan Hospitality Group all exceeding their budgeted net income target levels.

The August 2015 National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) generated significant revenues for RHS as well as the campus community with greater attendance than anticipated. Residence hall house counts exceeded budget by 166 students for the academic year based on stronger than anticipated retention results.

Reduced expenditures from residential dining, culinary support services, guest services, apartments and Planning and Projects O�ce management compared to the prior year also enhanced net income for the division during the fiscal year. The MSU Power Plant transition from coal to natural gas use also reduced utility costs for RHS during the year.

10STUDENTS HAD A PERFECT4.0 G

PA

1,031 GRADUATED

5,568 STUDENT TEAM MEMBERS

329 GRADUATES HAD A 3.5 GPA

OR HIGHER

The favorable net income results for the fiscal year will allow increased reinvestment in the division’s buildings and programs in future years. The net income level realized in fiscal 2015-16 will most likely not be easy to replicate in future years, however. Large conferences such as NOAC do not visit MSU every year, and sta� benefit health care costs are expected to increase beginning in fiscal 2016-17. Divisional debt service costs for the new 1855 Place apartment development will also increase in FY16-17. The dedicated e�orts of RHS sta� and student team members to deliver outstanding Spartan experiences (DOSE) and make fiscal year 2015-16 financially successful is appreciated. RHS is committed to operate in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve students, customers and guests.

53%INCREASE IN REVENUE

REVENUE REINVESTED IN BUILDINGS AND PROGRAMS

REHS, CULINARY AND SHGALL EXCEEDED BUDGETED NET INCOME

TARGETSOVERALL REDUCED SPENDING

BOY SCOUTS’ NOAC CONFERENCE BROUGHT IN NEARLY

15,000 PEOPLE HOUSING COUNTS EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS

MOVING FROM COAL TO NATURAL GAS REDUCED UTILITY COSTS

IN 2015–16 RHS STUDENT TEAM MEMBERS:


YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16RHS





PA

1,031 GRADUATED



OR HIGHER

The favorable net income results for the fiscal year will allow increased reinvestment in the division’s buildings and programs in future years. The net income level realized in fiscal 2015-16 will most likely not be easy to replicate in future years, however. Large conferences such as NOAC do not visit MSU every year, and sta� benefit health care costs are expected to increase beginning in fiscal 2016-17. Divisional debt service costs for the new 1855 Place apartment development will also increase in fiscal year 2016-17. The dedicated e�orts of RHS sta� and student team members to deliver outstanding Spartan experiences (DOSE) and make fiscal year 2015-16 financially successful is appreciated. RHS is committed to operate in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve students, customers and guests.











YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16RHS





PA

1,031 GRADUATED



OR HIGHER

The favorable net income results for the fiscal year will allow increased reinvestment in the division’s buildings and programs in future years. The net income level realized in fiscal 2015-16 will most likely not be easy to replicate in future years, however. Large conferences such as NOAC do not visit MSU every year, and sta� benefit health care costs are expected to increase beginning in fiscal 2016-17. Divisional debt service costs for the new 1855 Place apartment development will also increase in FY16-17. The dedicated e�orts of RHS sta� and student team members to deliver outstanding Spartan experiences (DOSE) and make fiscal year 2015-16 financially successful is appreciated. RHS is committed to operate in a fiscally responsible manner to better serve students, customers and guests.










YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16CulinaryServices

8.5%INCREASEIN REVENUE FOROFF-CAMPUSAND FACULTY/STAFF PLAN

14%INCREASEIN SALES FORCONCESSIONS 149 TONS

OF FRESH POTATOESEQUAL TO THE WEIGHT OF A

BLUE WHALE(YEP, THAT’S A POTATO WHALE THERE.)

This past year has been filled with accomplishments for Culinary Services. The excellence displayed by our team in all they do has earned MSU top ranking in the state of Michigan for Best College Food and No. 22 in the nation. Our achievements are a reflection of the dedicated culinary team members and their continued e�orts. The heart of our commitment to the university community is to provide great food and great service. It is our Purpose. Our team takes pride in knowing through their e�orts that they provide communities and experiences that support student academic success.

We strive to create environments geared toward the students’ success outside of the classroom and residence hall room, which fosters community gathering. Our People are the heart and soul of this operation. It is because of their dedication to their Practice that we remain a strong team, fueled by the success of our students. Faced with a sta�ng shortage this fall, I am extremely proud of the culinary team and how they delivered on our vision to “nourish, inspire and enrich the Spartan community.”

Guy Procopio, director, Culinary Services

9,155 FRESHMEN

87% AT SPARTY’S LOCATIONS

1.5 MILLIONTIMES

COMBO-X-CHANGE WAS USED

1.35MILLION

GALLONSOF JUICE

345 GALLONSFOR EVERYFRESHMAN

617,760POUNDS OFFRESH FRUIT

67 PIECES FOR EVERY FRESHMAN

STARBUCKS™ COLLECTED $6,382 IN MONETARY DONATIONS TO SUPPORT ON-CAMPUS INITIATIVES

3.1 MILLIONEGGS115

OMELETSFOR EVERYFRESHMAN

$388,661CONTRIBUTED TO70 NONPROFITSERVICE GROUPS


YEAR IN REVIEW









9,155 FRESHMEN


1.5 MILLIONTIMES


1.35MILLION

GALLONSOF JUICE





3.1 MILLIONEGGS115



SERVING STATE | FALL 2016 13 SERVING STATE | FALL 2016 13


YEAR IN REVIEW









9,155 FRESHMEN


1.5 MILLIONTIMES


1.35MILLION

GALLONSOF JUICE





3.1 MILLIONEGGS115





YEAR IN REVIEW

2015−16Residence Education

and Housing Services

278,347

Residence Education and Housing Services has had a successful 2016 while experiencing significant transitions in leadership. Leadership has emphasized that student success in the residence halls and apartments is the critical di�erentiator between us and o�-campus apartments. The Residential Learning Model was introduced to create more intentionality with our residents and to enhance our commitment to their success. REHS opened three new family housing units at 1855 Place that will help our student families achieve their goals while at Michigan State.

Campus tours were consolidated under REHS as a way to ensure a consistent message to our incoming students. ISSA recognized REHS with the Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Certified with Honors cleaning award. The close of the 2015–16 budget saw an extra $6.4 million put to the divisional bottom line from REHS and a 41 percent retention rate for fall 2016. The MSU Union realized their mantra of “Sparty Lives Here” with the installation of a destination bronze statue of the school mascot, Sparty.

Ray Gasser, interim director, Residence Education and Housing Services

REPLACED IN HUBBARD

100 FAUCETS

PACKAGESRECEIVEDBY RESIDENCE HALLS30 FOR EVERY FRESHMAN

2,100HOURS

OF RESIDENTASSISTANTTRAINING

35,407THROUGH THE REHS CENTRAL BUSINESS OFFICE

TRANSACTIONS PROCESSED

18 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AMONG RESIDENT ASSISTANTS

SERVING STATE | FALL 2016 15 SERVING STATE | FALL 2016 15


YEAR IN REVIEW

2015−16Residence Education

and Housing Services

278,347

Residence Education and Housing Services has had a successful 2016 while experiencing significant transitions in leadership. Leadership has emphasized that student success in the residence halls and apartments is the critical di�erentiator between us and o�-campus apartments. The Residential Learning Model was introduced to create more intentionality with our residents and to enhance our commitment to their success. REHS opened three new family housing units at 1855 Place that will help our student families achieve their goals while at Michigan State.

Campus tours were consolidated under REHS as a way to ensure a consistent message to our incoming students. ISSA recognized REHS with the Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Certified with Honors cleaning award. The close of the 2015–16 budget saw an extra $6.4 million put to the divisional bottom line from REHS and a 41 percent retention rate for fall 2016. The MSU Union realized their mantra of “Sparty Lives Here” with the installation of a destination bronze statue of the school mascot, Sparty.

Ray Gasser, interim director, Residence Education and Housing Services

REPLACED IN HUBBARD

100 FAUCETS

PACKAGESRECEIVEDBY RESIDENCE HALLS30 FOR EVERY FRESHMAN

2,100HOURS

OF RESIDENTASSISTANTTRAINING

35,407THROUGH THE REHS CENTRAL BUSINESS OFFICE

TRANSACTIONS PROCESSED

18 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED AMONG RESIDENT ASSISTANTS



YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16Spartan

Hospitality GroupSpartan Hospitality Group had an outstanding year in 2015-16. I am proud of all of our team members for their hard work and e�ort to meet our collective goals. The only way we achieve our goals is with the mindset that "we exist to exceed our customers' expectations.”This philosophy is in SHG’s DNA with our motto "Where Hospitality Begins." I am also very proud of the way we continuously look to reinvent how we run

our businesses and improve our training and guest experience. Our continued success also depends on our ability to strengthen our relationship with our partners both within RHS and MSU. The work our team does every day earns us the trust of our team members, students, guests and loyal customers which keeps them coming back.

Joel Heberlein, director, Spartan Hospitality Group

FOREST AKERSWAS LISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 50 RANGESIN AMERICA

STUDENTS

TO RECEIVE A DIPLOMA

12,479CROSSED THEBRESLIN STAGE

30%INCREASE OF

TOTALLICENSINGINCOMEFOREST AKERS RANGE

REVENUE SURPASSED

$300,000

RECYCLED MORE THAN

2,300PLASTICTENNIS BALL

CANS

42,313 ROOMS WERE BOOKED AT THE KELLOGG CENTER

1,334ONLINE COUNTERFEIT PRODUCT ENFORCEMENT

TAKEDOWNS

™

18 SERVING STATE | FALL 2016 18 SERVING STATE | FALL 2016


YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16Sustainability

RHS Sustainability is always out there helping students and sta understand why “Being Spartan Green” is part of being a Spartan and part of our core responsibilities in RHS and MSU. RHS Sustainability assists with new sustainability initiatives, collaborates with academic partners with student and research projects; daily programs

such as energy and water conservation, recycling, food waste collections, locally grown foods and many specialty programs and communications. RHS Sustainability is helping all of us take care of MSU and our earth.

Diane Barker, planning and projects o�cer

13,408POUNDS OFCOMPOSTEDORGANICSIN FALL2015

1,086POUNDS OFCOFFEEGROUNDSCOLLECTED FROMSTARBUCKS

7,530,787 POUNDSOF MATERIALS DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL

OF MSU BEEFCONSUMED

34 TONS

RECYCLEDEQUAL TO THE WEIGHT OF A

BOEING 747

POUNDS OF MATERIALS 601,177

$7,012OF BAKED GOODSSOLD AT THEMSU BAKERS

FARM STAND


YEAR IN REVIEW

2015–16Sustainability

RHS Sustainability is always out there helping students and sta understand why “Being Spartan Green” is part of being a Spartan and part of our core responsibilities in RHS and MSU. RHS Sustainability assists with new sustainability initiatives, collaborates with academic partners with student and research projects; daily programs

such as energy and water conservation, recycling, food waste collections, locally grown foods and many specialty programs and communications. RHS Sustainability is helping all of us take care of MSU and our earth.

Diane Barker, planning and projects o�cer

13,408POUNDS OFCOMPOSTEDORGANICSIN FALL2015

1,086POUNDS OFCOFFEEGROUNDSCOLLECTED FROMSTARBUCKS

7,530,787 POUNDSOF MATERIALS DIVERTED FROM LANDFILL

OF MSU BEEFCONSUMED

34 TONS

RECYCLEDEQUAL TO THE WEIGHT OF A

BOEING 747

POUNDS OF MATERIALS 601,177

$7,012OF BAKED GOODSSOLD AT THEMSU BAKERS

FARM STAND


Alex M. Lorencz, PGA Teaching Professional, Forest Akers Golf Courses

“I’m in charge of our PGA junior leagues here, and this year our All Star team made it into the playoffs and we qualified for the final four. So we were one of the final four teams in the state of Michigan. All the work associated with getting there would be my favorite highlight of this year.”

READ WHAT TEAM MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE WORKING IN RESIDENTIAL AND HOSPITALITY SERVICES

Katherine Kuzmiak, Junior, Supply Chain Management, MSU Tennis Center

“Everyone here is really nice and you get to meet a lot of new people. Whether they are adults or young kids, they’re all very nice. I also like being able to watch really good tennis when big tournaments are going on.”

Haleigh Rothley, Senior, Supply Chain Management, RHS Human Resources

“This year I worked during the recruitment events, so I was able to see a lot of students come up to us looking for jobs. Sometimes they will come back to our office and tell us they got a job, so that’s a good feeling — getting to see them accomplish what they wanted.”


Jacob Khodl, Senior, Mechanical Engineer, REHS “My favorite memory is just working with all the people — all the students and staff in RHS. We have a very friendly staff. Also, being involved in the upcoming 1855 Place this year is really cool because we get to show something to students that is brand new. We get to showcase the new opportunities it allows, which is an amazing feeling.”

Robert J. Patterson, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, RHS “I really enjoy working as a volunteer during move-in helping students and families move into the residence halls. I do that every year on Saturday and Sunday move-in weekend, and I really enjoy meeting and greeting our Spartans.”

Sondra Olin, Unit HR Administrator, RHS Human Resources “I really enjoy fall kickoff and the picnic every year. Just getting together with everyone and knowing we are all here for the same reason, that’s my favorite memory.”

Arabelle Diake, Junior, James Madison, Wonders Service Center, REHS “I like interacting with the students and getting to know them. Especially working at the same desk, sometimes I will see the same students, and I can establish a friendship or relationship with them. I’ve made a lot of friends here that way.”


[email protected]/msuunion


As production manager, Dakshaini Ravinder is predominantly responsible for the production of print marketing pieces around campus. Previously, Dakshaini worked on the creative side of an advertising agency. She has also been working for different units across campus at her internship with Student Affairs and Services. As a creative, she knows what the artist wants. As a manager, she knows what the client wants. She uses this experience to help her connect with both sides of production.

“Basically a production manager gets things rolling,” she explains. “And knowing what the client wants and having that previous experience, it kind of helps because you are able to understand where the artist is coming from.”

Dakshaini received her bachelor’s degree in India and is currently getting her master’s at Michigan State. She plans to graduate in December with a master’s in public relations for nonprofits and another in advertising. When she isn’t studying or working, Dakshaini tries her hand at cooking and baking with organic and vegan options.

IN DAKI’S WORDS: “I believe it is more about the people you work with rather than the job. [My coworkers] have been really awesome people and have literally held my hand in helping me through whatever I need to understand to learn how this organization in particular works. So that’s been really nice. It’s always, ‘Go Green!’”

MEET RHSINTRODUCING OUR TEAM MEMBERS

MEET DAKSHAINI RAVINDER PRODUCTION MANAGER, IS CREATIVE SERVICES

“Bleed Green.”— that’s the saying, right? Paul Manson not only knows the saying, but he lives it too. Paul graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in general business administration and marketing. He worked as a manager at McDonalds for eight years, supporting himself through college before starting his 32-year career with RHS.

Paul has worked within the facilities management area for more than 25 years, consisting of eight different positions within almost every neighborhood. In his new role, Paul is in charge of assisting the Planning and Projects Office (PPO) in its strategic preparation as well as establishing preventive and predictive practices to facilities in his department. His background with MSU is the perfect fit for this new position.

“I know the buildings and residence halls very intimately,” Paul explains. “I know the mechanical space, public space and history of the halls. I’m hoping to bring that knowledge and background to help strategize where we are going to spend our limited resources and what we can recommend so that we can make improvements.”

When Paul isn’t in the office, he can be found enjoying a round of golf at Forest Akers. He also enjoys traveling with his wife and two kids. On one particular trip, they traveled to five national parks in two weeks, covering over 3,000 miles.

IN PAUL’S WORDS:“My favorite aspect of working in RHS is working directly with students,” he says. “I meet a lot of them as freshmen and have the opportunity to watch them grow. Sometimes I still stay in contact with them even after they have their own families and kids who also enroll at MSU. Just watching students progress like that, it’s extremely rewarding.”

MEET PAUL MANSON ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR FACILITIES PLANNING AND PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE


She started her career at a small liberal arts school in Iowa, but Cassie Cotton has definitely taken on a big role here at Michigan State University. As the marketing brand manager for REHS, Cassie makes sure the Live On brand and RHS brand are properly represented throughout the university and community as a whole. This includes executing REHS campaigns, making sure marketing materials are consistent with brand standards, and ensuring marketing strategies are being implemented properly and in a timely manner.

After graduating from Coe College, Cassie worked in several marketing departments as a project manager, which made her transition into higher education that much smoother. She enjoys working in higher education and being directly involved with the students and student staff. She says she enjoys being around “that student energy.”

In addition to working with students, Cassie has also developed a close relationship with her coworkers.

“I really enjoy the team I work with,” she explains. “We have a lot of fun, but we also work hard, too. It was definitely an experience adjusting back to higher education and to a bigger institution, but I think that everyone has each other’s back, and that’s a great environment to be in.”

Cassie also works closely with the Live On street team. She says that it helps to get her up and out of the office. Cassie says she is an outdoorsy person and enjoys any type of adventure. In her free time, she likes to go camping and mountain biking. IN CASSIE’S WORDS: “I really enjoy working with the students and student staff. It’s been fun seeing them grow from when they first start here into who they want to be when they graduate.”

MEET CASSIE COTTON MARKETING BRAND MANAGER, REHS

Meet the face behind the screen of RHS culinary social media accounts: Cassandra Jones. Graduating in May, Cassandra will walk with a degree in both advertising and entrepreneurship and innovations. As a communication assistant, Cassandra helps manage the Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts for Culinary Services. This includes tweeting out information and alerting students of the events going on around campus as well as planning when she should post the information. She says that timing is a crucial part of her position because it determines whether or not her audience sees the post. She is also in charge of taking pictures of the on-campus dining events and sharing these photos on social media.

Previously working as an intern at IPG Media Brand, Cassandra has had plenty of experience with managing social media. After graduation, she hopes to pursue event planning and PR for the NFL or MLB.

“My position right now is a great fit because I am learning how to manage all sorts of different accounts,” she explains.

“I will have to do this for clients in the future, so it’s great experience to have at such an early stage in my career.”

Outside of managing Culinary’s social media accounts, Cassandra also enjoys cooking and working out. She’s an avid workout fanatic and loves lifting weights. She was also a member of MSU’s marching band for four years. She says these things, along with dancing, are great outlets for her.

IN CASSANDRA’S WORDS: “My favorite aspect of working as a communications assistant is actually having somebody read what I write. It’s really fun to write Twitter posts and then being able to walk past screens in Brody and say, ‘Oh my gosh – I wrote that!’” 3

MEET CASSANDRA JONES STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT, CULINARY SERVICES

MEET RHSINTRODUCING OUR TEAM MEMBERS

AT FOREST AKERS GOLF COURSES COVERED AND HEATED PRACTICE RANGE

WORK ON YOUR GOLF GAME ALL YEAR LONG

• 18 covered and heated stalls available• Located at Forest Akers East Golf Course• Hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GOLF.MSU.EDU

year in review 2016 - michigan state university · 2017-01-12 · 2 serving state | fall 2016...

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