Spotlights
10 Questions with alum Dan Pung
Hometown, High School, and Activities you participated in?
Zeeland, MI. Zeeland West High School. In HS I played football, basketball, and ran track and field. At Grand Valley I was fortunate enough to continue my track career and was a four-year letter winner. I was a member of SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) for 3 years and my senior year I began working in Game Operations.
Major at GV and graduation year?
Physical Education, emphasis on Sports Leadership and Minor in Business - 2015
Favorite Class?
COM 201, speech class. This class really put me out of my comfort zone and it challenged me to confront my fears of public speaking.
Favorite memory as a Laker?
The countless hours spent on practice and meets as a part of the track and field team. I’ve met some of my best friends on the team and will forever cherish the memories we made both on and off the track.
Jobs you’ve had thus far (including internships)?
Game Operations Intern, Grand Valley State University
Event Management Assistant, Wake Forest University
Gameday Operations & Event Coordinator, Indiana University
Favorite Quote?
Winners adjust.
How you landed current job?
My time at Wake Forest was a 10 month internship so once Spring hit I was constantly looking for opportunities on the NCAA marketplace. My current position popped up, I applied for it, and was fortunate enough to be offered the job. It was actually a new position for IU so I knew it would have its challenges but it’s been great being able to forge my own path within the job.
Favorite thing you've done in current role?
The 2017 Big Ten Cross Country Championships and the 2018 Big Ten Outdoor Track & Field Championships. These both happened my first year at IU and it was the first time I was able to be the Championships Director of a large event. It was an amazing learning opportunity and I’ve always been a huge fan of track and field so being able to combine the two was a rewarding experience.
Dream Job?
Being on the senior administration team of a Power 5 University (Big Ten preferred) and overseeing all internal operations.
Advice for current Sport Management Students?
Work hard, get involved, and don’t be afraid to move. This is a very rewarding industry but also a very competitive one as well. There are plenty of opportunities around the country and you need to be willing to go where the job takes you.
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