This fall marked the dawn of a new era—one where students learn firsthand about event planning, build connections to jumpstart opportunities in the business world and get a behind-the-scenes look at Corban.
These individuals make up the Student Event Team.
In the fall of 2014, Kellie Wood, director of Special Events, along with Student Intern Tori Cole, kicked off the first year of Corban’s Student Event Team (SET), a volunteer program where students help set up and facilitate events such as alumni dinners, scholarship luncheons and political engagement forums.
“My passion and the foundation of this team was to create a practical experience for students in event planning and for them to represent the school,” Wood said. Her mission was accomplished in this, as the team “brought a whole different level of quality to events.”
One of the benefits of the SET for students is the opportunity to see a different perspective of the school they have come to know and love. This was a big draw for SET member Alena Harvey.
“I got the opportunity to talk to Provost Matt Lucas’ parents the other day,” Harvey said. “I love meeting community members and being able to talk to them, and I have such a better understanding about how Corban is involved in donors’ lives, alumni’s lives, and the community at large because of being a part of this team.”
Harvey isn’t the only student who has benefited in a unique way: senior Dana Nighswonger was offered a job because of a connection she made at an event.
“I would recommend this experience to anyone who is considering it,” said Nighswonger, “both for the opportunities that have opened up for me, as well as how much it has helped me to grow as a Christian.”
Wood and Cole are currently accepting applications for the 2015-16 SET members. The time commitment is roughly 20-25 hours per semester, and it is a volunteer position. There are opportunities to learn about different aspects of event planning during workshops, as well as the hands-on experience provided while facilitating events.
“Ultimately,” Cole said, “we love working with people who have a passion for Corban and like being a part of a team working toward a bigger goal.”
Wood wants the team to grow to roughly 12 people in the coming year. Applications, available in Student Life, must be turned in to the President’s Office by April 3.
“Part of the vision of this group is to get a wide variety of majors, backgrounds and interests, to really represent Corban well,” Wood said. She also would love to have male students apply, as they weren’t represented on the team during the past year.
She added, “We want to be hands and feet for Jesus first and shine for Him at any event at Corban and anywhere we’re serving.”
Those interested in applying to be a part of the SET can pick up an application at Student Life and direct any questions to Kellie Wood or Tori (Victoria) Cole.