I do try my best not to get on my soapbox about every single topic that comes to my mind. Today is a special day to recognize a special person. Many of you are probably wondering what is so special about Friday September 13th. Although it is a Friday the 13th and Yom Kippur starts at sunset, something bigger is going on that will have ripple effects for generations of college students in Springfield, MA. Ian Martin last day as the Senior Associate Director for Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development at Western New England College. Oops University though for my purposes today I am going to keep using the old name of WNEC. (Prerogative of an Alum)
Many of my readers hopefully already know Ian. He is my best friend and was my best man at my wedding. Our friendship goes back decades (as students of WNEC), but that is not why I am writing this blog today. I am writing it because I am consistently in awe of his talent as a student affairs professional, especially the work he has done at WNEC. I know that no matter what WNEC does to recognize it will pale in comparison to his achievements there.
Ian has had a lasting impact on a generation of students at Western New England. He has brought countless events to WNEC that they had never experienced before. WNEC-pallooza on Labor Day is an annual event that most students take for granted now a days. He elevated the professionalism and work ethic of the students in the Campus Activities Board (CAB), the Westerner newspaper and WNEK radio station. The concerts, comedians, late night weekend programming and other activities he supported brought life to the campus. I am sure that retention numbers were higher because he helped to make WNEC the vibrant campus it is.
He was able to empower leaders to reach heights they never thought they could achieve. As an outsider watching the organization work you would think they were the professionals running events, only using Ian as a resource in complicated situations. It is a skill most student affairs professionals have a hard time doing; letting our students do the hard work so they can grow. From his CAB leadership retreat to open, honest and direct feedback to an ear to listen his students continued to gain valuable skills that they will use throughout their adult life. I know first hand the pride and dedication he had with the students he advised.
Ian has enhanced the lives of many students whether they knew him or not. Many of them might have taken his efforts for granted, but a large number of students were directly effectived by Ian. For many students Ian was a household name that they shared with their families as someone who had such a positive affect on them. Ian was also instrumental in changing the negative trajectory of a number of students who would have left WNEC without his help or gone down even worse paths. He was always there for his students and colleagues even at the sacrifice of some of his own personal time.
Ian was also a champion of diversity efforts at WNEC. While WNEC is not the most diverse college in the world, Ian would work hard to make sure his students were expanding their horizons and getting not only tolerance, but understanding of differences. He was a strong voice in many meetings getting administrators to see the bigger picture when it came to diversity and how it was affecting the students.
He is an great colleague, who is always willing to help. While you might not always agree with his methods he definitely had both WNEC and the person he was helping in mind. Ian specializes in finding ways to be in "win-win" situations. Countless people learned how to be the great professionals they are from Ian's role modeling and advice. He always made time to talk with young professionals and was ready with a joke or just an ear to listen.
I was lucky enough to work with Ian for a full year at WNEC. I was continually in awe of the dedication he has to students and WNEC in general. He would hours of behind the scenes work that so many people never saw. Ian has an amazing ability to navigate the sometimes crazy politics that come up in a small college. With all of the craziness I experienced that year I am not sure I would have been as successful without his help. From students to colleagues to upper administrators Ian was always able to make a positive impact. I know that he will be able to look back and say that he left WNEC a better place than when he arrived.
We work a job where we get thanks, but at times it is sparingly. All Golden Bears (staff, faculty, and students) should be thanking him for his time. Johnson & Wales does not even know how lucky they are to be getting an amazing Student Affairs professional. Ian will be impacting the lives of another generation of students in another New England state. WNEC will have a new Student Activities person, who I am sure will do a great job and help students, but I am positive that WNEC never ever be the same because Ian Mrtin has left. Please join me in recognizing Ian Martin and his work at Western New England College/University. Share your stories on Facebook, this comment thread or to him directly.
Thanks Ian and I am proud to be your best friend.
No comments:
Post a Comment