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Spring 2019 A publication of The Division of Residential and Hospitality Services at Michigan State
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CURTAIN IN OUR EMERALD CITY
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES
“IN RHS, IT ONLY TAKES ONE INTERACTION TO LEAVE AN
IMPRESSION ON OUR SPARTANS. WE STRIVE TO DO THE
RIGHT THING RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, BUT WE DO NOT
HAVE TO HIDE OUR PROCESS. WE WANT TO CELEBRATE
OUR EFFORTS.”
At the end of every year in Residential the late evening hours. I could not be rebranding of the Spartan Spirit Shops,
and Hospitality Services (RHS), we more grateful for our team. REHS facilities and maintenance, the
celebrate our successes at an event Some say that magic is ruined when Thanksgiving Unity Dinner and
called Values and Victories. We take the truth is revealed; that the effect much more.
a few hours out of a chilly December is lost when details are explained. In our great Emerald City, as it were,
morning to reflect on everything our “Pay no attention to the man behind we treasure the details. We know that
division has accomplished and all the curtain,” an average man once in every moment, every interaction and
the outstanding experiences we have said from behind an imposing image. every decision there is a spark that can
delivered to our Spartans and guests. However, there’s something to be said make an everlasting impression — and
This year’s theme was “Do you believe for the work that is put into perfecting that impression leads to MSU becoming
in magic?” the magic tricks. our Spartans’ home away from home.
What we do is magical. There is no It takes magicians time and effort, And as we all know, “There’s no place
doubt about that. But like all magic, it’s training and discipline, to master their like home.”
an illusion executed by hard work and craft. Perhaps most importantly, it
dedication often pulled off behind the takes passion; the drive to perfect the
curtain, invisible to our students and trick and really wow the audience.
guests. We witnessed the magic this They truly only get one chance, one
January during the polar vortex. As moment to get it right. Sound familiar?
Michigan State University suspended In RHS, it only takes one interaction to
classes for only the seventh time in its leave an impression on our Spartans.
164 years, RHS team members made We strive to do the right thing right the
their way to campus to take care of our first time, but we do not have to hide
Spartans. Team members volunteered our process. We want to celebrate
to help in dining units, shuttled their our efforts.
Vennie Gore
fellow team members around in the This issue of Serving State provides
Vice President, Auxiliary Enterprises
subzero temperatures and worked into a behind-the-scenes look into the
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 2
DIVISION OF RESIDENTIAL
AND HOSPITALITY SERVICES
Auxiliary Enterprises
Culinary Services
Residence Education and Housing Services
Spartan Hospitality Group
rhs.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 Creative
Services Team, 550 S. Harrison Road, Michigan
State University, 517-353-1694.
Editors
Casey Bye, Ilene Davis
Design & Layout
Elizabeth Ayres, Linda Beach,
Libby Singh
Photography
Charles Benoit, Hannah Holliday,
Samantha Lewakowski
Contributing Writers
Leah Ball, Casey Bye, Ilene Davis, Chelsey Eimer,
Hannah Holliday, Samantha Lewakowski
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 3
CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
3 THE PEOPLE BEHIND
THE CURTAIN
A MESSAGE FROM VPAE VENNIE GORE
13
5 TOP 10 FUN FACTS
ABOUT THE CUSTODIAL
MAINTENANCE TEAM
7 OUR PLEDGE AND
PROMISE: DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSION, EQUITY AND
SOCIAL JUSTICE
8 CULINARY GROWTH
AT MSU
12 THANKSGIVING
UNITY DINNER
13 SPARTAN RETAIL
BECOMES A
UNIFIED FRONT
15 MEET RHS
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM MEMBERS
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 4
TOP 10 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE
CUSTODIAL MAINTENANCE TEAM
more than just full-time team members
The Facilities Custodial Maintenance team is comprised of more
than just full-time team members. Currently, RHS employs 40-60
student employees who work seven days a week between 3-11 p.m.
More than 30 full-time managers lead student and on-call team
members in day-to-day operations.
cleaning every
corner
The Custodial Maintenance team is responsible
for cleaning and maintaining more than 7
green cleaning
Custodial Maintenance makes every effort to use cutting-edge
million square feet of space, including 27
technology to sanitize spaces while protecting the
residence halls, 429 apartments in 1855 Place,
health of building occupants and the environment.
76 apartments in University Village and 345
Recently, the team started using 100 percent
apartments in Spartan Village.
ozonated water. The crews no longer spray
bathrooms down with chemicals but instead
use hazardous-chemical-free floor cleaner and
sealant. This leads to a reduced amount
of chemicals washed down
campus drains and an overall
lower water consumption
across campus.
long-term the portal
sustainability September 2018 saw the
launch of the new Live On
Similar to how recycling is a priority in the website where students are
residence halls, the Custodial Maintenance now able to access a new and
team makes recycling a top priority and is improved portal for submitting
ramping up their recycling efforts. maintenance requests.
Students living on campus
can simply select their
residence hall or apartment
and enter their contact
information and a brief
description of the issue they’ve
encountered. The request
is then quickly routed to an
available team member.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 5
energy saving innovations
The Custodial Maintenance team is also responsible for replacing outdated light fixtures,
some of them over 50 years old. One residence hall got an extreme makeover during winter
break and fully transitioned to using only LED lightbulbs. This saves costs on energy expenses
and further shows commitment to sustainable practices.
time-saving crew cred
initiatives
A residence
hall Custodial
Maintenance
During carpet extractions, it used
crew consists
to take Custodial Maintenance
of two building
crew members two days to
service workers,
sufficiently clean a 12-floor
two sanitation
residence hall. With the addition
workers and one
of new ridable extractors, crew
maintenance
members like to call “chariots,”
worker. These
it takes team members only
crews work collaboratively to respond to
45 minutes to clean the same
maintenance and service requests. Sanitation
residence hall. The chariots weigh
workers also clean the community
more than 500 pounds and are
used every day by full-time staff.
award-winning cleaning
REHS was awarded with two high levels of achievement attained in the cleaning
industry — the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standards (CIMS) and the
Green Building (GB) certification. There are approximately 100,000 cleaning
organizations in North America, and only 250 have received this designation. The
recertification with honors is the second time the REHS Facilities team has been
awarded this distinction.
student and team interactions
With the far-reaching day-to-day impact of their work, positive interactions with Custodial
Maintenance team members can help make all the difference in a student’s Spartan experience.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 6
OUR PLEDGE AND PROMISE: DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSION, EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Residence Education and Housing Services’ (REHS) Associate Director for
Diversity and Inclusion Sharon Chia Claros discusses diversity, equity and
inclusion initiatives offered by her unit.
DINNER WITH 12 SPARTANS DIVERSITY/INCLUSION CERTIFICATION
Chia Claros successfully held three Dinner with 12 Spartans PROGRAM
events during the fall semester, bringing together an array Michigan State University is piloting a Diversity and
of individuals; both graduate and undergraduate students, Inclusion Certification program during the 2019
faculty, and staff. This initiative is fully funded by the Office spring semester. Chia Claros along with the University
for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives’ Creating Inclusive Intercultural Pillar, in partnership with various
Excellence Grant. departments, including Inclusion and Intercultural
Initiatives and Student Affairs, helped create this
“I did enjoy the dinner and think it was a great way to meet program, in part, to help prepare students for the
people you wouldn’t otherwise talk to,” said one student workplace. This initiative is fully funded by the Office for
in attendance. Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives’ Creating Inclusive
Excellence Grant.
For each dinner, the first twelve students living on campus to
sign up attended. “A lot of employers now are looking for recent graduates
or professionals who have intercultural competency and
“The purpose of the dinner is to build communities of cross skills to interact with cross difference and are able to
difference to encourage our MSU community to go out of their work with diverse groups of people,” Chia Claros said.
comfort zone, share stories and share the commonality of “We’re hoping this gives students a value added to
being a Spartan,” said Chia Claros, adding, “Also to learn from their degree.”
diverse backgrounds, cultures and life experiences.”
The selection committee is seeking 20 undergraduate
To motivate further dialogue, Chia students who have a graduation date of May 2020 or later
Claros plans to give attendees to assist in the development of the program through over
notecards at the end of each three semesters of participation.
dinner to encourage the exchange
of contact information in a more MSU’s certification program was purposely structured
formal process. to be different from other Big Ten School’s diversity and
inclusion programs.
The spring semester will have
three dinners: one in February, “We want to make this pilot program transformative,”
March and April. Chia Claros said. “We are actually pairing up students
with faculty and staff members, having students upload
artifacts and reflections and meet cohorts, so they can
show and verbalize they have the capacity employers are
looking for.”
Students who complete the program will receive a
certificate that can be added to their co-curricular record.
As Chia Claros asked, “We can have the most diverse
campus in the world but if people don’t step outside of
their comfort zones how can we learn from each other?”
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 7
Culinary Growth at MSU
Dressing Down
The 1960s are a time when rules
and expectations of Spartans are
loosened. The strict coat and tie
requirement for men had been in
effect since World War II, but is
adjusted thanks to the results of
a student survey. The new rules
Just One require men to wear clean, neat
As MSU grows through Suit and Tie dress slacks (not jeans or shorts),
its formative years, every All men who would like to eat dress shirts (no T-shirts, knit shirts,
student eats their meals in the in the Abbot Hall dining facility plaid or bold stripes) and dress
basement dining room located are required to wear suit coats shoes (no slippers, tennis shoes,
1938 1956
in Williams Hall. and ties to do so. clogs or flip-flops).
1907 The First 1940 The Rules 1960
Abbot Hall boasts The Spartan Women’s League
the first ever college- releases “Etiquette Books” to MSU
operated dining hall. students every year. These guides
outline proper behavior, how to dress,
“courting” standards and acceptable
table manners, among other things.
JUST ONE | THE FIRST | SUIT AND TIE | THE RULES | DRESSING DOWN
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 8
Culinary Growth at MSU
The Breslin is Born Get Read, Get Set, Cook!
Breslin Student Events Center The annual Culinary Cup competition
opens and begins its tenure as a is established. This annual “Chopped”
venue for students and the greater style cooking challenge consists of
MSU community, sponsoring major multiple rounds of competition. Teams
educational and entertainment of two, representing MSU dining
events, and of course, concessions. neighborhoods and the Spartan
Breslin is also home to Michigan Hospitality Group, are given specific
State Basketball. ingredients to prepare a dish.
1970 1991 2007
Special Events
Beginning in 1970, meal transfers are
1989 Welcome, Sparty’s
On-campus convenience
2001 The Beginning
As a part of the Division of Residential
introduced to increase flexibility in stores, dubbed Sparty’s, and Hospitality Services’ (RHS) 10-
the dining plan structure. Throughout make their grand opening. year plan, Snyder/Phillips dining hall
the decade, salad bars, special dining is the first of seven to be renovated.
rooms and special events scheduled Over the course of the project, three
in the dining halls are implemented dining halls will be LEED certified.
with a continuous focus on meeting
the evolving needs of MSU’s students.
SPECIAL EVENTS | THE BRESLIN IS BORN | WELCOME, SPARTY’S | GET READY, GET SET | THE BEGINNING
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 9
Culinary Growth at MSU
Catalyze Connections
Dining continues to be a catalyst
for developing on-campus
neighborhoods, but additional
An Investment focus is placed on being a
RHS is dedicated to creating Accessibility is Key stimulant for connections to
better customer experiences The Combo-X-Change program broader communities such as
without compromising efficiency. begins in order to make dining international students, faculty and
Because of these investments, options even more flexible and the surrounding community. South
RHS is able to move toward available to students, as well as Pointe at Case Hall is completed,
greater flexibility in formats and carry out the retail integration the mobile Eat at State ON-THE-
facilities. Sustainable practices dining plan. Another key element to GO Food Truck is introduced and
are a point of discussion, thus the on-campus dining, the ever-popular another Starbucks is opened in the
Farm to MSU program begins. Brody Square, is built and opens. Broad Business College complex.
2009 2011
2008 New Things
Spartan Signature Catering
2010 Another One
Holden Dining Hall is renovated.
2012
(now Kellogg Catering) is Sparty’s, which at this point
debuted as a way to improve has 21 on-campus locations,
flexibility. The dining venue at celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Owen Hall is renovated and Starbucks becomes a welcomed
opens as Riverwalk Market. addition to campus in Wells
Hall. And kosher meals become
available in the dining halls.
AN INVESTMENT | NEW THINGS | ACCESSIBILITY IS KEY | ANOTHER ONE | CATALYZE CONNECTIONS
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 10Culinary Growth at MSU
Heritage Commons at Landon The Edge at Akers opens
Hall is completed in August Offering a diverse menu,
The renovated dining hall from West Asian tandoor
features wholesome breakfast oven-made dishes to
in the morning and protein southern-style baby back
dishes, salads and soups in the ribs from a smoker, The Edge
afternoon and evening. has something for everyone.
2013 2014 2018
The Vista at Shaw Hall 2014 Options 2015 More, more, more — 2018
is Renovated Takeout in the dining halls and beyond
Those dining at The Vista becomes a tangent of the In keeping with the trend of
can now enjoy hearth-baked Combo-X-Change program. making food accessible to
pizzas, hearty pastas, deli-style students living on and off
sandwiches, soup and a full campus, students can now
salad bar — plus full breakfasts use their Combo-X-Change
to jump start the day. Student six days a week as opposed
Spartan Chefs are introduced to the previous limit of five.
to campus. Sparty’s Market, an urban
market-style grocery store,
opens in 1855 Place.
THE VISTA | HERITAGE COMMONS | OPTIONS | THE EDGE | MORE, MORE, AND MORE
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 11Thanksgiving Unity
Dinner
BRINGING TOGETHER NEARLY 500 SPARTANS
For the past 15 years, Spartans on Thousands of students have
campus have had the opportunity benefitted from the tradition that
to gather on Thanksgiving Day and began in Akers Hall, with 488 signing
“This event provides
enjoy a warm meal among company. in on-site this year, including 52
a community-building It all started in 2003 when Felipe volunteers. In addition to RHS, 17 local
Lopez, then an out-of-state student, sponsors collaborated with OCAT to
experience for all who
invited others to join him for dinner offer food, games and other activities.
attend,” said Juan. “We in the East Akers lounge. Several On the menu this year, among other
students pitched in to purchase food, delicious fare, was turkey, macaroni
talk about the history of
and 20-30 people from domestic and and cheese, mashed potatoes, mixed
Thanksgiving, why we international areas shared pizza vegetables, green beans, stuffing,
and bonded. pie and custom-image cookies from
celebrate, how we celebrate
Juan Flores-Soto, one of the students MSU Bakers. Attendees could show
it and why we eat turkey.” attending, collaborated with Lopez to their creative side by decorating the
carry the concept forward. They were tablecloths with colorful markers
inspired by the opportunity to connect and more.
Spartans who might otherwise be “This event provides a community-
alone during the holiday break. building experience for all who
Currently a coordinator for the attend,” said Flores-Soto. “We talk
Office of Cultural and Academic about the history of Thanksgiving, why
Transitions (OCAT), Flores-Soto we celebrate, how we celebrate it and
shared that throughout the years why we eat turkey.”
campus partners have helped sustain Beyond the educational component,
the event. “I am extremely grateful an important goal of the gathering
for the support from RHS and other is to celebrate diversity at MSU,
campus departments,” he said. honor different cultures, and
When he accepted his current role support students from various racial,
with the department in 2010, Flores- ethnic, international and domestic
Soto was able to help make the Unity backgrounds. From OCAT team
Dinner an office initiative that will members, to sponsors, to volunteers,
continue beyond his time at strong partnerships built over the
the university. past 15 years will help this tradition
continue to thrive.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 12Spartan Retail
becomes a
Unified Front
Michigan State University is home to some of the most unique collegiate garb and, luckily, it can all
be found within six on-campus Spartan Spirit Shops. About two years ago, there were five on-campus
retail stores, all of which went by different names in accordance to their respective on-campus
location. But when a sixth MSU storefront came to fruition, it just made sense for each location to
come together under one uniform brand. Before the unification, the five existing stores were located
at Forest Akers Golf Courses (east and west), Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, MSU Union and
MSU Tennis Center.
Spartan Spirit Shop Spartan Spirit Shop Spartan Spirit Shop
at Forest Akers Golf Courses East at MSU Tennis Center at Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center
and West The Tennis Center site features The perfect MSU gift shop, the Kellogg
Greater Lansing’s number one place convenient apparel and equipment location is the place to browse for an
for fine quality, uniquely MSU clothing sales and services to its growing MSU-themed keepsake or gift after
and accessories that complement MSU group of enthusiastic patrons. It is the a pleasant stay at MSU’s own hotel.
and the golf enthusiasts of the area perfect place to find the right item for Convenience and variety are hallmarks
features such quality brands as Nike, the right player at the right price. along with unique and special items
Vineyard Vines and Cutter & Buck. you cannot find anywhere else.
It’s the place to shop for that special
golfer or MSU fanatic.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 13The idea to go by one name and brand came about in “The biggest advantage we have is we are smaller — we’re
2017 when 1855 Place was under construction with plans to more like a boutique,” Benkert says. “We have individual buyers
house an MSU retail store. Of course, the store needed to be with a lot of experience on campus. Other shops are third-
called something, but what exactly would that mean? party owned, the buyer is corporate and they don’t necessarily
Spartan Hospitality Group (SHG) Retail Manager understand everything about the Midwest and MSU.”
Stephene Benkert says the idea of uniting the on-campus Another component that sets Spartan Spirit Shops
retail stores under one brand just made sense as soon as the apart from the rest is an updated social media presence
sixth store was proposed. She explained how the group of advertising sales, linking to the online store and interacting
stores always felt like one, but having an outward-facing with guests.
uniform brand furthered that recognizable bond. “Everybody is trying to get a piece of the retail pie for
“We have a lot of items that are the same in our stores but, MSU, and social media allows us to be right in front of
at the same time, there are a lot of things that are different,” everybody,” Benkert says. “It’s a natural extension of our
says Benkert. “And we all work together as well. Between brand, relatively inexpensive in comparison to other media
having the store at 1855 Place open and getting a new forms and where the future is going.”
computer system that linked all of the stores, it was the best Though the six stores go by the same name now, the
thing to do.” merchandise sold is handpicked, unique and unparalleled
Though, Spartan Spirit Shops are not the only on- or near- by other retailers. Take a walk through each of the newly-
campus retailers providing Spartans their green and white branded stores below and see for yourself!
gear; third-party merchandisers such as Spartan Bookstore
and Student Book Store exist in close vicinity.
Spartan Spirit Shop Spartan Spirit Shop
at 1855 Place at MSU Union
The newest addition to the Spartan Spirit Shops, the 1855 This is where students, faculty, staff and alumni meet to
Place location, opened in August 2017. This Spartan Spirit make that perfect campus visit last with a special
Shop is one of a kind as it is the only dedicated Nike retailer MSU-logo apparel item or accessory. It is also the home of
on campus. As an official Nike shop, it features MSU apparel Commencement Connection, where excited graduates
specifically designed for Spartan fans. “to be” come to find their caps, gowns, diploma frames and
all the accessories they need to make their graduation even
more memorable.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 14MEET RHS
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM MEMBERS
MEET JENNIFER DAWSON
HOMETOWN: Davison, Michigan
JOB TITLE: Auxiliary Enterprises Finance and
Business Office Accountant
TIME AT MSU: Five months
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE? FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC?
I work on the reconciliation team for dining, which includes Taylor Swift and anything on the top 40.
brands like Eat at State and Sparty’s. I work with the student
teams to make sure everything is going smoothly on campus. WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND LOOK LIKE?
I always go out to dinner on Friday nights. I’m new to
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN RHS the area, so I’ve been trying to visit different spots
TEAM MEMBER? and breweries around Lansing. Then, I would
The sense of community and friendliness. Everyone is like binge-watch Netflix.
one big family.
WHAT’S THE FARTHEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU OWN? Riveria Maya in Mexico.
Jeans.
WHAT COULD YOU GIVE A 40-MINUTE PRESENTATION ON
WHAT HOBBY WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INTO? WITH ABSOLUTELY NO PREPARATION?
Yoga! I just started taking classes at IM East and West. Giving a presentation with no preparation is one of my
nightmares, but the one thing I could do it on is my family
WHAT JOB WOULD YOU BE TERRIBLE AT? and friends.
An elementary school teacher.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD DO AT
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIVES?
Pepperoni pizza. Go skydiving.
WHAT SONG DO YOU KNOW EVERY WORD TO? WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO START A DAY?
Anything by Taylor Swift — I love her new music. With a cold glass of ice water.
ARE YOU TYPICALLY EARLY OR LATE?
Early.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW MORE ABOUT?
Nutrition.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO MAKE
YOUR DAY BETTER?
People being friendly and smiling. Also free food.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 15MEET ALEXANDER POPE
HOMETOWN: Laingsburg, Michigan
JOB TITLE: Culinary Services Platform Attendant
TIME AT MSU: Two months
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE? ARE YOU TYPICALLY EARLY OR LATE?
I get stationed to a pod. Then I have my Bible – that’s my Always early.
journal of everything that we are serving that week. I deal
with my teammates, make a lot of food dealing with raw WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW MORE ABOUT?
meats. I do a lot of cooking and running around. I walk People.
probably eight miles a day. I do a lot of organizing and
teaching because I have a lot of experience outside of here. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR
DAY BETTER?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN RHS Knowing I put my hard work in and earned my money.
TEAM MEMBER?
I like how unlike any other job I’ve had, I have extreme WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC?
exposure to different cultures. I think that’s very important Mostly ‘90s. Any kind of genre from the ‘90s — I was born
for perspective and its very interesting. I look forward to in ‘86.
continuously learning.
WHAT’S THE FARTHEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME?
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU OWN? Probably San Antonio, Texas. I lived there for a year.
Does a blanket count? I have an old afghan blanket that’s
all retro colors, which my grandmother made me before she WHAT COULD YOU GIVE A 40-MINUTE PRESENTATION ON
passed away and I love that thing. WITH NO PREPARATION?
How to make a pope-pie pizza.
WHAT HOBBY WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INTO?
Woodworking. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD DO
ONCE IN THEIR LIVES?
WHAT JOB WOULD YOU BE TERRIBLE AT? Take a risk.
Probably an unemployment office employee.
WOULD YOU RATHER GO HANG GLIDING OR WHITE
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? WATER RAFTING?
A Capri-Sun. White water rafting!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL? WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO START A DAY?
Beef Wellington, it’s a roast of beef and then crusted with Cup of coffee and sun shining.
bread — I’ve only had it a couple of times, but it’s rare
and decadent.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 16MEET REBECCA SELESKY
HOMETOWN: Harbor Beach, Michigan
JOB TITLE: Interim Executive Director for
Culinary Services
TIME AT MSU: Seven years
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR NEW ROLE? WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW MORE ABOUT?
As the executive director for Culinary Services, I oversee I wish I knew more about Ultra running, because I want to
the culinary operations, including Dining, Retail, and do an ultra-marathon.
Support Services. Prior to this role, I worked at the Kellogg
Hotel & Conference Center. I was brought in as a rooms WHAT ARE SOME THINGS GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOUR
division manager and then transitioned into the general DAY BETTER?
manager role. The simple things.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN RHS WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND LOOK LIKE?
TEAM MEMBER? Spending time with my family and also going outdoors.
Just being in the atmosphere and in the environment. I love
being surrounded by so many great people and resources. WHAT’S THE FARTHEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME?
There’s a lot of room for growth and development and a lot I’ve traveled to England.
of opportunity to build connections across the division.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC?
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU OWN? Probably R&B. I kind of just put my phone on shuffle and
My go-to is a light pink Lululemon sweatshirt, it’s just listen to whatever comes on next.
so comfortable.
WHAT COULD YOU GIVE A 40-MINUTE PRESENTATION ON
WHAT HOBBY WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INTO? WITH NO PREPARATION?
I don’t really have a lot of hobbies. But I like to run, and I Probably being a professional and being a mom and
have two sons. I also like to cook, so I guess I could start managing that work-life piece.
cooking more.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD DO
WHAT JOB WOULD YOU BE TERRIBLE AT? ONCE IN THEIR LIVES?
A scientist – I just don’t see me being stuck in a lab anywhere. I’m going to say travel abroad, but you should definitely do
that more than once in your life.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
I don’t really have a favorite meal, because I enjoy all food, WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO START A DAY?
but it’d be a meal I get to prepare with my family and A good cup of coffee.
share together.
ARE YOU TYPICALLY EARLY OR LATE?
Early. I hate being late.
SERVING STATE | SPRING 2019 17MEET ALEX LORENCZ
HOMETOWN: Chesaning, Michigan
JOB TITLE: Spartan Hospitality Group Forest
Akers Operations Manager and PGA Professional
TIME AT MSU: Eight years
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE? WHAT DOES YOUR IDEAL WEEKEND LOOK LIKE?
I run the range staff, hire, train and oversee custodial staff, Weather permitting, it would start with a round of golf and
teach lessons to all age groups, fit players for clubs. And end hanging with family.
Forest Akers is ranked as a top 50 public golf course range
by Golf Range Magazine, which is a joy to uphold. WHAT’S THE FARTHEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN FROM HOME?
Jamaica.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING AN RHS
TEAM MEMBER? WHAT COULD YOU GIVE A 40-MINUTE PRESENTATION ON
The people. I am a people person and interacting with team WITH ABSOLUTELY NO PREPARATION?
members and guests is the highlight of my day. Club fitting.
WHAT HOBBY WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INTO? WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD DO AT
Guitar. LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFE?
Hit a solid golf shot. Even with people who have never
WHAT JOB WOULD YOU BE TERRIBLE AT? played before, their eyes just light up when they hit one.
A monotonous cubicle desk job.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT ARE GUARANTEED TO MAKE
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK? YOUR DAY BETTER?
Coffee. Coffee. Just kidding, I think having a positive attitude helps
the most.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEAL?
Chicken wings. WOULD YOU RATHER GO HANG GLIDING OR WHITE
WATER RAFTING?
WHAT SONG DO YOU KNOW EVERY WORD TO? Hang gliding.
Any Eminem song.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO START A DAY?
ARE YOU TYPICALLY EARLY OR LATE? With coffee.
Early.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW MORE ABOUT?
I wish I had more mechanical knowledge so I could fix
personal and work vehicles with ease.
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