Meet Ed slazinik
What is your title?
Director, Illini Union
How long have you been
working in your current position? In Student Affairs?
I became Interim Director in May 2003, and then Director in
January 2004. I was Associate Director of the Union from 1990
until my interim Director status.
What is your educational
background?
My undergraduate degree is in Environmental Science from Richard
Stockton State College, New Jersey. I completed a Masters
Degree in Higher Education at Southern Illinois University
- Carbondale.
What previous jobs and
positions have you held? Any in Student Affairs?
Prior to coming to the University of Illinois in 1990, I worked
as Director of Operations at the Norris Center at Northwestern
University in Evanston, Illinois. I also worked at the Student
Center at Southern Illinois - Carbondale before going to Northwestern
in 1986.
Why did you come to
the University of Illinois?
The Illini Union is one of the premier college unions in the
country, and the reputation of Student Affairs is also outstanding.
At Illinois, I can contribute to the co-curricular learning
experiences of students, while learning more about the Illini
Union, a very complex and unique organization.
What is your favorite
part of your job?
I cherish the partnership that the Illini Union has with the
students on the Illini Union Board (IUB) because it offers
students an experience that compliments what they learn in
the classroom. The Union is a premiere facility, and the partnership
between the Union and IUB contributes to each other's success.
What is your best professional
memory?
My best memories are the opportunities I have had working
with students to fulfill a project. In particular, I remember
my work with several student committees who were able to develop
the vision that became the Courtyard Café.
What are your future
professional goals?
I'm focused on improving the Illini Union's programs and services.
We are fortunate to have so much to work with and our foundation
positions us to be the best.
What are your current
job responsibilities?
As Director of the Union I oversee all of the operations of
the Union and the Illini Union Bookstore and have an ex-officio
position on IUB. I try to set direction and establish vision
for all of the union departments.
What are you most proud
of accomplishing professionally?
My recent appointment as Director of the Illini Union is the
highlight of my professional career. I am honored to have
the opportunity to provide leadership to an organization that
is held in high regard by the campus and by the profession.
What is the most challenging
aspect of your job?
Setting a vision for the future and attempting to ensure that
the Illini Union be the best it can be at contributing to
the "University of Illinois" experience.
What do you do to relax
after a stressful day?
I lke reading either fiction or philosophy (eastern in particular).
Where might students
find you when you're outside the office?
I spend lots of time with my family: ice skating during the
winter months, swimming in the summer; and transporting my
kids to soccer, baseball, gymnastics, band practice or concerts.
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