This week’s Campus Celebrity is one of the advisors for ASU’s Programming and Activities Board (PAB), Evan Schaefer. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know him over the semester and when asked to be interviewed as this week’s celebrity, he was more than willing to participate. His favorite movie is Tommy Boy, enjoys Butter Pecan ice cream, would like Vince Vaughn to be the lead actor if a movie were made about him, and recently accepted a job with the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee!
Her Campus ASU: Congrats on accepting the position with the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee! How do you feel?
Evan Schaefer: I feel excited! One of the things I’ve been trying to look for is the next step in my career. When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t pass it. There are three people in the Operations Logistics team – to which I am one – and our basic responsibility is to oversee transportation, aviation, security, law enforcement, and game day operation. Basically, all of those facets around the activities, tailgates, the Super Bowl itself and everything in between.
HC ASU: So why did you decide to come to ASU?
ES: It’s great – largest university in the country – couldn’t say no!
HC ASU: How did you get involved in working with students and planning logistics?
ES: I started out at the programming board at Simpson College [during] my 2nd semester, my 1st year. From there I gravitated onto student government, president of the programming board, president of my class, sports announcer for Simpson athletics, promotion coordinator for athletics and Greek Life, too. But the pinnacle for me – when I knew I wanted to work with students – was when I got to St. Cloud State and did my graduate assistantship with the programming board up there.
HC ASU: What other organizations are you involved with at ASU?
ES: My primary role and responsibility has grown from advising PAB to overseeing the creation and execution of large scale student events. So, including the Fall Welcome Concert, helping groups with various events [like] Fiji, the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, with their Fiji on the Mountain event and the ASU BB Run as well.
HC ASU: I see so much passion and dedication put forth in the things you do. What’s something that motivates you and keeps you striving for more?
ES: The experience that the students get in terms of planning – as it relates to the PAB students getting the experience in planning and executing – but also the experience that the guests have when they attend these events. Making sure that it’s well worth their experience.
HC ASU: Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years from now?
ES: That’s a really hard question, especially since my Super Bowl contract expires March 31st – yeah, it’s temporary. I don’t know where I see myself. I get married to the love of my life on March 27th, so I would say for now I’m not looking past March (laughs) because I have no idea!
Congrats again on your new job and whatever path life may lead you in, I’m sure it’ll be great!