Spotlights
Nicole Rister '18, is featured in Alumni in 10
Title/Employer
Catering Sales Manager/Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
Degree Earned/Emphasis Area
Bachelor's in Hospitality Management/Event Management
emphasis
1. What has your journey been since graduation?
It has been a little bit of a roller coaster and it definitely
has not been as easy as I anticipated, nor did I wind up where I
expected, but I am very happy with my path so far. After graduation I
worked for GVSU Conference and Event Planning for a bit before
accepting a position with Aramark as the Catering Coordinator for the
Allendale Campus, which eventually led to my current position as the
Catering Sales Manager at the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown.
2. How has Grand Valley had a role in your journey?
Grand Valley was a huge part of my journey since graduating, with
my connections and positions that I've held all connecting and leading
me to my position that I am in today.
3. What is your favorite Grand Valley memory?
It's so hard to pick just one! I'd say my favorite was
celebrating graduation with my closest friends and taking pictures in
our cap and gowns on the blue bridge. Everyone does it, but it really
felt so special and was one of my last memories from my college experience.
4. What three words describe your experience at Grand Valley?
Growth, Experiences, and Family
5. How, and why, have you stayed involved with Grand
Valley since graduation?
I have stayed involved with Grand Valley through organizing Grand
Valley Hospitality Alumni meet up opportunities and have attended all
of them, which includes volunteering with Michigan Cares for Tourism.
6. Why are you proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime?
I am proud to be a Laker for a Lifetime because I think Grand
Valley is one of the best environments to experience your college
career in. I grew both in my personal life and professional life
through my experiences and created a network of people I will hold
onto dearly for the rest of my life.
7. What do you like to do for fun?
I love visiting all of our local craft breweries here in Grand
Rapids, spending time with friends, exploring the lakeshore in the
summer, and my new-found hobby of painting.
8. What is your favorite quote/motto to live by?
"I was once afraid of people saying 'who does she think she
is?' Now I have the courage to stand and say, 'This is who I am'"
- Oprah Winfrey
9. What motivates you?
I believe I motivate myself. I was born with a strong hunger for
perfection, creativity, and to feel that I am successful. While I am
my main motivator, I also of course want to make my parents proud, as
well as provide a strong female figure for my 2 younger sisters to
look up to.
10. What book or movie have you recently enjoyed?
I recently read The Alchemist for the first time and I was
pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it!
January 2020
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