Part-Time Gym Job Leads to Alumnus’s Career after College

A: As a building supervisor/manager, I try to ensure that users of the facility are safe, welcomed, and as content as possible. I try to answer as many questions as possible, and create a friendly environment.

Q: You’re the friendly face that greets everyone when they come into the Freeman Athletic Center during the late afternoon hours. What do you like about this role?

A: You mean the friendly, handsome face, thank you. I enjoy the variety of people I am fortunate to come across everyday. It breaks down stereotypes. Not only that, I enjoy working with the people that I’ve gotten to know, like the student athletes. Some of them are very cool.

Q: You used to be one, yourself?

A: I did play basketball here at Wesleyan in 1996-97.

Q: When were you hired-in?

A:  I was hired in part-time in 1995 while I was an undergrad here at Wesleyan, and went full-time in 1998. I started here as the equipment room assistant, working with Bob Chiapetta, who was the National Equipment Manager of the Year.

Q: What did you study at Wesleyan and when did you graduate?

A: My concentrations were in African-American studies and history. I was living like a rock star on a roadie income, and it was worth every penny. I graduated in 1998 with my bachelor of arts. I wanted to get my master’s too, so I did while I was working here through the Graduate Liberal Studies Program. My concentration was in social studies and I graduated in 2001.

Q: What led you to Wesleyan?

A:  I’m from New York, New York, the metropolis of the world. I spent my first 12 years in Brooklyn and the rest in Queens. I attended New York Public Schools until 10th grade, when I left for Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. I visited Wesleyan twice before attending and felt that is was a good fit for me. Thirteen years later, I am still here.

Q: Has anything changed?

A: Actually, campus is now a lot cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing.

Q: At work, you’ve described your role as “the guy who can help get you what you need.” How so?

A: I’ve been around. I can usually save you time on your search if you just ask. Locations, people, general info, I got you.

Q: Do you know the Freeman Athletic Center building inside and out? Can you give an example of something about the building that no one else may know about? Any secret rooms?

A: I know it pretty well, not as well since the expansion. There is a room rumored to be underneath the deck of the pool. Apparently, you used to be able to set up a camera in there to critique the divers. True? I don’t know.

Q: Do you use the gym? If so, what facilities?

A: Yes, I use the all the facilities except the squash courts. I’m hoping to get out there soon though.

Q: Are you one of those people who live at the gym?

A: No, I don’t live in the gym, but I am here overnights sometimes. That’s another story.

Q: Who are the key people you work with at Freeman?

A: I usually work with Kate Mullen, head coach of women’s basketball; Richard Whitmore, associate athletic director and Bob Chiapetta, manager of intercollegiate operations.

Q: Last question. Red Sox or Yankees?