Alumni Spotlights
Zach Oborne '20
Employer
Purdue University / Assistant Director of Student Leadership
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-oborne/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
Graduating in 2020 was nothing but a journey. As the COVID-19
pandemic was plateauing in the United States, I worked at a couple of
jobs before starting at Purdue University as an Academic Advisor. I
worked with students in the Computer and Information Technology
Department and helped them transition to life at college, ensuring
they were familiar with the curriculum, and the requirements to
graduate on time. I served in that role for 2 years before starting my
current position as the Assistant Director of Student Leadership
within Purdue University Residential Life. I help student leaders find
their "why" and aid in their personal and professional
development through training, retreats, and other opportunities. Since
graduating, I married the love of my life on 10/22/2022 and we are
expecting our first child at the end of June!
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
Besides networking with my CSAL Cohort, my favorite memory was
competing in the Sawyer competition in 2018. GVSU Athletics decided to
change the Men's and Women's Basketball nickname to the Sawyers to pay
homage to one of the nicknames students wanted in the 1960s. The
competition called for students to dress like a sawyer for an
opportunity to be showcased at one of the games.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
One of the Higher Education faculty members, Karyn Rabourn,
encouraged everyone to continuously ask "why?". This simple
request allows us to ensure that we are always looking at processes
and procedures with a growth mindset.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Growth, Leadership, and Opportunities
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I wish to spread kindness and help people find their true passions.
February 2024
Interest Area(s)
Education -Higher Education
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