Alumnus an events coordinator at ArtPrize

ArtPrize, an international art competition in Grand Rapids, draws nearly 500,000 visitors to the city each year to see and vote on more than 1,500 works of art. 

The festival also attracts dozens of artists to West Michigan, and that means plenty of receptions and parties.

Ryan Murphy, who graduated from Grand Valley in April 2015 with a degree in hospitality and tourism management, served as the special events coordinator for ArtPrize 2015.

The 22-year-old from Royal Oak impressed organizers with his skills and leadership abilities when he was an intern at ArtPrize in 2014 so, when the position of special events coordinator opened, he was at the top of the hiring list.

"I am so thankful I had the opportunity for that internship through the hospitality and tourism management (HTM) program at Grand Valley," said Murphy. "It was part of a class on festival and event management. I learned a great deal as an ArtPrize intern and was able to make important connections. The experience proved to be invaluable."

For ArtPrize 2015, Murphy was responsible for planning, coordinating and executing 15 special events, including fundraisers, concerts, receptions and parties for sponsors, artists, donors and VIPs. He supervised a special events crew that included 18 Grand Valley interns.

Murphy credits his professors in the HTM program at Grand Valley for preparing him for his career. "Much of the HTM program is experienced-based, with opportunities to network and attend programs," said Murphy. "Networking is a buzzword and used a lot in classes, but that is how I got my position with ArtPrize. I'm very thankful the faculty drilled that into us as students."

Murphy said the faculty was supportive when he changed career paths midway through college. "I changed majors after two-and-a-half years and my first classes at Grand Valley were in HTM. The faculty made me feel good about the change, especially after changing so late in the game. They helped me feel good about my decision and supported me as I finished my degree," he said.