Alumni panel and scholarship presentation strike big during WMU and Grand Rapids Gold partnership
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready, a panel of alumni told current and prospective students during a collaborative event between Western Michigan University and the Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G-League) on March 15 at Van Andel Arena.
"All of the panelists are WMU alums and their diverse experiences have led them to careers in sports, and they're here to share their insights, their wisdom and experiences with you," said Dr. Laura Dinehart, dean of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).
The event brought together four accomplished alumni—Trey Conner, B.S.'11, chief operating officer of Grand Rapids Gold; Ameer Ismail, M.A.'11, B.S.'07, scout for the Canada Football League's Toronto Argonauts; Eric Woodyard, B.A.'10, ESPN beat reporter for the Detroit Lions; and Warda Niaz, B.S.'23, youth hoops coach for the Chicago Bulls.
"We wanted the event to pertain to you guys (the audience) and think how we can connect and how we can move forward and how we continue to build up Western Michigan," said Conner.
Moderated by Dan Hasty, play-by-play broadcaster for the Grand Rapids Rise and West Michigan Whitecaps, the panel provided valuable insights into entering the sports industry and finding long-term success.
"Appreciate the journey"
The panelists offered advice to students looking to start their careers. Woodyard emphasized the value of the journey and how building on experiences prepares you for a dream job.
"I wouldn't have been ready for the position I am in now, had I not really took advantage of the small steps. I had to work at MLive (Flint) for six years, I had to go to Salt Lake City, I had to do that to get to ESPN," explained Woodyard.
Ismail echoed that sentiment, sharing that everyone goes on a different journey and sometimes at a different speed.
"Progress is not always linear and sometimes thing aren't meant to happen at a certain point of time. Don't take that personally," said Ismail. "You have to be very adaptive in this industry and don't pigeonhole yourself into one job."
Conner also highlighted the crucial role of taking a chance.
"In 2013, I got a phone call from Steve (president of the Gold) that the Detroit Pistons was looking to start a minor league team and asking if I would want to start the team with three other individuals, and at the time it sounded good," said Conners. " Fast forward to April, 2014, it came to fruition."
"I love teaching, but at that time I went with a 'oh well' is better than a 'what if'. I can always come back to teaching, but I wouldn't have this opportunity to start a team."
I wouldn't have been ready for the position I am now, had I not really took advantage of the small steps. I had to work at MLive for six years, I had to go to Salt Lake City, I had to do that to get to ESPN.
"Networking is everything"
Niaz advised students to be proactive in building relationships and to leverage every chance to expand their networks.
"By immersing yourself in an opportunity, whether it's an internship or a temporary position, you want take advantage of the time you are there to network with people," said Niaz. "I would also say that while networking, being sincere is very important. Because when an opportunity does come up, they know you're truly interested in the field."
Woodyard also encouraged students to take advantage of every opportunity to connect with others in the field. Recalling a time from when he was reporting for the NBA's Utah Jazz, he said getting drinks with a fellow writer after a game changed his career's trajectory entirely.
"Tim McMahon (ESPN sportswriter) said to me that he had read my work and thought I was really good. And if something opens up at ESPN, he was going to put my name in," said Woodyard. "Me and Tim stayed in contact just from going out after the game.
"Later I was at summer league after the season ended and got a random phone call from Bristol, Connecticut, and it was one of the ESPN editors. And she told me they followed me and Tim spoke highly of me and I ended up getting a position. I never filled anything out, never saw an application, never had to show anything and it's just from networking."
"All goes back to those Western days"
Conner shared how the opportunities he was given at Western with different student organizations opened more doors for him professionally.
"I remember sitting in class and the professor said we will all graduate with the degree, but what's going to make the difference between you and someone else is you resume," explained Conner. "Having the opportunities that Western brought me with Phi Epsilon Kappa and the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, but then being able to understand and take advantage of those as well, continuously led to another."
Ismail echoed the importance of getting engaged—not just in organizations but also through the various supports available on campus.
"As you go on your path throughout Western, and you're like 'I'm kind of interested in this a little bit', go learn about it. Being a little bit late in terms of your major doesn't mean it's too late," he said. "Having resources and great mentors, leaders and teachers, like Dr. James Lewis, at WMU did a great job helping me."
Following the discussion, students had the opportunity to network with panelists.
Scholarship presentation
Before the start of the game, incoming sport management student Logan Rockwell, a high schooler from Grand Rapids, was announced as the winner of the College of Education and Human Development's Young Leaders Scholarship Award. The scholarship, awards $2,000 to an incoming WMU student who demonstrates promise in the field of human performance and health education.
"This is the first time the college has ever awarded this scholarship," said Hollywood Watkins, scholarship specialist for the College of Education and Human Development. "Logan’s efforts demonstrate the leadership and determination we strive to support. This is exactly why the Young Leaders Scholarship was created. We’re excited to welcome him to WMU and eager to see the positive impact he’ll make in the years to come."
To learn more about scholarships, visit the College of Education and Human Development's scholarship webpage.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.