Alumni in 5
Manfred Tatzmann '70
Employer
Lit Assistant Anoka-Hennepin ESL Program
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Although former Prof. Marvin Devries tried his best to make a
capitalist out of me, my career was spent helping people primarily in
the fields of mental and intellectual disabilities. Also, setting up
programs for seniors (RSVP & AAA's); and for children in need. I
was lucky to be instrumental or at the forefront of setting up
programs for persons with Traumatic Brain Injuries, especially
returning veterans; both in Michigan and California. For the last ten
years, in my "retirement," I have been able to teach adult
immigrants from all over the world this crazy language we call
American English. Notwithstanding, after a thirty-five-year absence, I
found my now wife again, the former Outstanding Alumni, Maria E.
Marino. Sorry Professor, you really tried!
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
Experiencing the wild late 60's Viet Nam era on campus. TJC,
although I was not part of it. Being a co-founder of WGVSU radio with
two other students. We had a studio in the basement of Seidman and ran
it over the cable throughout campus. We got a kick out of getting
angry calls from Allendalites when that "awful" 60's music
we played, like Iron Butterfly - In A Gadda Da Vida, bled from our
cable into their phone lines. Hearing that, instead of the regular signal.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Still waiting for it!
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Fun Educational Maturing
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I know through my work over more than four decades I have helped
many people and continue to do so. Over time I have taken great pride
when someone accuses me of being an "activist;" and continue
to do so. Thank you, GVSU!
April 2021
Interest Area(s)
Business Administration, German
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