Spotlights
10 Questions with alum Mike Przydzial
Mike Przydzial was hired in the summer of 2019 as GVSU's Associate Director of Recreation and Wellness....
High School attended?
West Bloomfield High School
Graduation Year and degree from GV?
2012 with a Physical Education major (emphasis on Sports Leadership) and minor in Business. Sport Leadership changed to Sport Management in 2018.
Favorite class while at GV?
PED495 – Administration in Sport Leadership. Now called SPM 495 - Administration in Sport Management.
Favorite memory as a Laker?
Too many favorites that rise to the top. Beating Michigan State at the Breslin Center in double-OT and going on a 36 game winning streak to make it to the Elite Eight are a couple good ones that stand out. Mike played basketball for GV from 2007-2012.
Jobs thus far including internships?
Intern for the GVSU Ticket Office
Intern for the Detroit Pistons
Intern for GVSU Club Sports
Gym Supervisor at the Kroc Center in Grand Rapids
Graduate Assistant for Club Sports at University of Arkansas
Marketing Intern for University of Arkansas Athletics
Sport Clubs and Youth Programs Coordinator at Northern Arizona University
Competitive Sports Coordinator at Northern Arizona University
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation at Northern Arizona University
Athletic Camps Coordinator at Ferris State University
Coordinator of Athletic Event Operations and Special Projects at Ferris State University
Associate Director of Campus Recreation & Wellness at Grand Valley State University
Why GV and this job?
GV is home. I’ve always wanted to come back here and help make a positive impact on students, and to help give back to the institution that provided me with an amazing experience. GV is all about student success, and when everyone works to make that happen it creates a special place to work. This job is a full-circle for me in my career. In my last semester I worked a brief internship for the GVSU Club Sports program, which was then under Student Life. That internship help set me up for my Graduate Assistantship at University of Arkansas, and through several positions I was able to work my way back to Allendale and oversee one of the most recognized Club Sport programs.
Thoughts on following your classmate and friend Eric Garvelink?
I’m excited to have the opportunity to be Garv’s successor. He put his heart and soul into growing and establishing the Sports Programs and set the bar extremely high. I’m looking forward to continuing the momentum he built and keep our programs moving forward in the right direction.
What are your goals for Campus Recreation?
Continue to engage the GVSU community by providing inclusive and diverse recreational opportunities that inspire participation, promote health and wellbeing, and encourage student development and success. When we use that mission as a driving force to what we do, we’ll be able to keep progressing our programs and services.
Advice for Sport Management students?
Stay the course! Be persistent, get connected, and work hard to achieve what you’re investing your time in. You may have to continue your education, you may have to work unpaid internships, and your hours will not be ideal, but it will be worth it in the long run.
How can students contact you?
(616) 331-3212 or [email protected]
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