ALYSSA ECKLES: Laugh and Learn

Alyssa Eckles

March, 2013

By Paul Martell

Alyssa Eckles is an alumnus with a story, actually, she has many stories…she is a writer

 

“Crowds of students say ‘well, we’d like to be painters, we’d like to be poets, we’d like to be writers, but as everybody knows you can’t earn any money that way’…When we finally got down to something, which the individual says he really wants to do, I will say to him, ‘you do that and forget the money,’ because, if you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time.”

–          Alan Watts

Alyssa Eckles is a writer with a bright future

Alyssa knew what she wanted to do with her life, and often, that is the hardest step for a student. For her it was easy, Alyssa says, “When I was young, I always wanted to write novels, but my parents said, ‘you need to have a real job,’ so I went into journalism. Then all the journalism jobs went away.” Thankfully, for a person with Alyssa’s skills and passion, not even a downward spiraling industry could keep her from success. Alyssa’s ambition, coupled by a great sense of humor and a school that, “emphasized how important it was for someone in writing to get on-the-job experience,” would give her all she needed to be the efficacious writer she is now.

Alyssa attended Evergreen High School in Metamora, Ohio. Alyssa loves reading and her Genre of interest is Sci-Fi and Urban Fantasy. The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, and Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley, are two examples of Alyssa’s favorite reads. Upon looking for a University in which to further explore her love of writing, Alyssa learned about the Presidential Scholarship program at Eastern Michigan University. Alyssa had always been an excellent student and thought, “Okay, I’ll give it a shot.” Alyssa applied, tested, interviewed, excelled, then received the Presidential Scholar Award, and that is how EMU came to be Alyssa’s university.

For many students, it takes a year or two of acclimating to University life before they are comfortable enough to consider extracurricular activities. For Alyssa, her first classes had not yet started when she got involved. Alyssa was simply walking on campus when she saw a copy of The Eastern Echo. She immediately knew that she was going to write for the University paper and signed up. Alyssa started writing Entertainment and Feature stories for the Echo. Working here not only provided Alyssa with invaluable experience; EMU was provided with an invaluable writer. Not long after being hired, Alyssa was promoted to Senior Staff Writer and later held the position of News Editor.

While writing for EMU, Alyssa had the opportunity to work on fun and diverse projects. She interviewed Robert Pattinson (star in the “Twilight” film series), Christina Ricci (star in the “Sleepy Hollow” film), and Colin Meloy, lead singer of the Decemberists. Interviewing Meloy was a memory that is special to Alyssa as the Decemberists is one of her all-time, favorite bands.

While enrolled, Alyssa spent time studying abroad in Derby, England. Alyssa admits, “I am a bit of an Anglophile.” She recalls a time in England when she needed one more course to fulfill her requirements. She ended up taking American Literature. She says the entire experience abroad, and being the only American in an American literature class was an experience she cherishes.

Alyssa Eckles graduated from Eastern Michigan University in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. Alyssa remembers her time at EMU with, “lots of warm, fuzzy thoughts.”

About the time Alyssa graduated, the journalism profession started undergoing massive changes. The demand for writers was in question. Alyssa worked two part-time jobs; as a receptionist at U of M, and as a web copy writer. Alyssa says, “It was a very scary time.”

Within the next three months, Alyssa came across a job opening at American Greetings. The job would require writing humorous greeting cards. Alyssa applied, tested, interviewed, excelled, then received a job offer from one of the largest card developers in the world. Alyssa says that, after applying, she was asked to write and submit 20 sample cards. This was a test that would be a pivotal factor in deciding whether she would receive an offer. Alyssa says that after being offered the job, it was explained to her that one of the 20 samples she submitted got her the job. The sample read as follows:

COVER: “You’ll always have a place in my heart…”

INSIDE: “Right next to the vodka and behind the Xbox.”

Currently, Alyssa lives in Ohio with her cat, Libel. She works in the Alternative Humor Department at American Greetings, and covers, “a huge range of content from ‘fluffy bunnies” to straight up dirty jokes.” The line of cards she works on now is called justWink. justWink is a card-line that utilizes trendy, quirky humor to appeal to Generation Y. This is Alyssa’s favorite writing subject. Alyssa’s work is not limited to cards. When she is not working on humor, Alyssa works with advertising, public relations, and other departments.  She is also involved in writing for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, Ohio. Alyssa also writes for Shutterstock, a New York based, Technology Company. She is currently blogging for them, writing articles like, “The Write Stuff: 5 Tips on Creating Great Copy for your Designs.”

Alyssa Eckles has a bright future. She loves working at American Greetings and says, “Writing is my passion and I feel so fortunate that I get to do this every day.”  She also hopes to travel the world, including volunteering in China someday. Alyssa’s journey is a pristine example that shows what determination and a little laughter can do for our dreams.

Alyssa is thankful for what she learned at EMU, “I had to be well-rounded in writing…it’s up to me to blend writing and versatility, I suppose.”

Do yourself a favor and check out justWink and/or download the App

Or take a look at what Alyssa’s been writing for the Shutterstock blog

JACK CASSEDY: OPEN TO OPPORTUNITY

Jack Cassedy is a young alum with a wonderful career that seems to have little connection with his degree; after close inspection, however, it is obvious that Jack’s journey and destination are codependent

by Paul Martell

Jack Cassedy is a 2011 grad with an exciting future!

It is common for students to struggle with which major to select. It has become the norm to try to mold our dreams into something that reflects our existing skillset. Jack Cassedy knew what he wanted out of life, but he was not afraid to extend himself to new possibilities, and is now well on his way to living his dream. Jack Cassedy plans to, one day, better the world in a tangible way.

“I’ve always felt like I really wanted to make a difference in the world and help people in some way, so I thought that being a doctor would be the best way to do that, which led me to major in Biology,” said Jack. He would not end up a doctor, not yet anyway, but he would graduate from EMU with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in biology and minoring in political science.  Today, Jack is the Director of Internet Marketing at Prudential Snyder & Company, Realtors. From athletics, to a fraternity, to Student Organizations, to internships; Jack’s journey is what has put him on track toward his dream.

Jack Cassedy loves wrestling, in fact he says, “Wrestling pretty much defines me as a person.” Jack wrestled throughout high school and did very well for himself. He remained totally undefeated until his final match, as a senior, in which he was significantly outweighed by the opponent and lost 9 to 4. Jack said, somewhat jokingly, “I remember that match like it was yesterday…It haunts me.”

It was actually wrestling that brought Jack to Eastern Michigan University. He enrolled because he knew the assistant coach of the wrestling team quite well; they had met at several national tournaments Jack was in when he wrestled for Team Michigan. Jack intended to start his collegiate wrestling career at EMU.

“Young and naive, I thought a little 112 pounder like myself could make it at 125 pounds wrestling in college…Long story short, I started as a sophomore, but didn’t do very well. I was undersized and couldn’t keep my weight up. Which is the opposite of what most wrestlers deal with – cutting weight to be the biggest guy in your weight class.” Jack was also busying himself with getting involved in student life.

Jack loved the transition from high school to college life. He lived in Putnam Hall and said, “It was like being in a city of people my own age…Everything was new and exciting; it was like being a kid again, but with hormones and responsibilities.” Eventually Jack would retire from wrestling and joined the fraternity Kappa Phi Alpha. Jack says that the Fraternity House was in a “bad place” then, and he set himself to help make it better.  After some obstacles and opposition, Jack reports that being a part of the Kappa Phi Alpha brotherhood, “taught me valuable leadership skills and organizational skills that have translated to my professional life more.”

Jack (second from right/blue T-shirt) is a proud Kappa Phi Alpha Fraternity Brother

Eventually, Jack became involved with the organization Campus Life, which turned into a marketing internship with Campus Life. This job would set the stage for Jack’s career path. “I was given the task of researching social media marketing, back before everyone was doing it. I researched hundreds of articles looking for valuable insights on how to best use social media for marketing. I turned those insights into a presentation and presented it to several different departments and eventually to the EMU Strategy Council (which was over 100 people at that time)… It was a pretty intimidating audience.” This gave Jack a unique understanding of Social Media Marketing and led him to take another job as a Brand Agent for Neebo.

Jack could see a great career possibility in web marketing and decided to “take my internet marketing chops to the next level” by earning a Master Certificate from the University of San Francisco online. He did this while still an undergrad.

Thanks to this strategic decision, Jack was now able to run valuable social media campaigns, use web analytics, search engine optimization, blogging, and all things web-marketing; all when it was starting to be in great demand.

Jack Cassedy was quickly hired by Prudential Snyder & Company, Realtors after graduating in 2011. He is the Director of Internet Marketing, “I create strategies and implement tactics that improve our overall web presence and increase web generated leads. I manage multiple social media accounts, implement search engine optimization strategies, blog, and consult the real estate agents on social marketing, how to utilize the tech tools that the company offers, as well as helping them to implement third party marketing systems.”

But how does a major in biology help someone in web marketing? Jack finds unique and meaningful ways in which his education has made him excellent at his job:

“Earning my Biology degree has been invaluable to my career path. The hours upon hours upon hours spent doing research projects for Biology related courses has helped me to turn anything I want to learn into a research project; in essence, this has shaped the process of how I learn new things… And in the business of internet marketing, there is always something new to learn. Chemistry, which is a mixture of math, puzzle solving, and applying rules to situations has helped me to understand complex virtual ecosystems in a way that allows me to leverage each piece in a way that makes the most sense for the overall strategy.”

Jack’s ambitions are not fulfilled yet. Jack says, “My future will be filled with lots of stress, sweat, coffee, and ambition put to work. I want to change the world for the better.”

Jack plans to create a free, web-based educational product that is significantly tailored for the “visual web”. This is how Jack will better the world, through education that is available to everyone. “If every single person on the planet is able to get a world class education in a manner that is easy to understand and stay engaged with; humanity will be able to move forward much more quickly.”

While Jack’s path was unconventional, he is going directly towards his dream. Jack believes his collective experience at EMU has greatly contributed to the success he has today.

Jack wants to, “change the world for the better.” He already is.

If you want to know more about what Jack has been up to, like his Living in Ann Arbor Facebook page and remember to follow the Prudential Snyder Twitter!

Jack (bottom) also loves his “Pit bull Pooch” Ollie (Top)

Emmanuel Jones: For the Good of Others

Emmanuel Jones

February, 2013

By

Paul Martell

Emmanuel Jones is a 2011 grad who had plans to run a big business; however, Jones found himself leading something larger in many ways

It is no secret that Universities are filled with people who are dreaming of the future. It is this forward-thinking nature that leads a person to earn a degree. Emmanuel Jones was such a person. Jones planned to finish school and make a name for himself in the large business world; however, it is the irony of our lives that makes good stories.

“Eastern really helped prepare me for what I am doing now,” said Emmanuel. He is especially glad that EMU teaches skills, “both textbook and real world.” Emmanuel attended Eastern Michigan University from 2007 to 2011 and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Emmanuel knew he wanted to start a business; he simply did not know what type.

Jones spent most of his time at EMU working or studying. He would say, “Due to work, I didn’t get to experience much of student life. Now that I’ve graduated, I see what campus life is like, and wish I could’ve had it.” But it was Jones’s work and school involvement that would help lead him to where he is now. It was during Emmanuel’s sophomore year that his eyes would be opened to the need that would alter his dream.

Marvin Gundy, a classmate and friend, invited Emmanuel to a local community center to see how Gundy’s final course project was going. Through this experience, and some chance meetings, Emmanuel came to help at Parkridge Community Center Summer Camp, a camp for disadvantaged, middle school aged kids. Emmanuel was being changed.

“Wow, these kids really have no resources, or at least, not what they need to be successful,” said Jones.

Emmanuel saw both differences and similarities between his life, and the lives he was interacting with at Parkridge Community Center Summer Camp. Emmanuel had not always chosen to be a high-achieving, responsible student. During his middle school and high school years Emanuel said, “I chose to act out, to get in trouble. Through most of high school, my mindset was totally off.” What caused Emmanuel to change his ways back in high school was the parental involvement and resources he had.

Emmanuel puts great emphasis on learning and academics.

“It was by the grace of God, and my parents staying on me, that I made a 180 degree turn. I often wonder: without my parents, where would I be now?” said Jones. That was the difference he saw. It was suddenly plain to him that these children needed someone, and it was well within Emmanuel Jones’s ability to help them.

Emmanuel started a small, after school program on the south side of Ypsilanti to help local kids with homework, as well as give them someone to talk to. When the time came for Emmanuel’s senior project, the Action Research project, he decided to use his after school program as the topic. Approximately five to seven kids attended Emmanuel’s operation, and for the purposes of the project, he was going to add significantly increased structure to the program.

Emmanuel implemented a weekly schedule. One day was set aside for homework and school tutoring, another was mentoring day. Emmanuel used mentoring day to teach practical life value lessons. “I would teach them how to make money because I didn’t want them to think the only way was to get it illegally. I also added incentives.” Children who did well in the program, and attended regularly, would get to go out to eat, or even attend Tigers games.

The children could no longer simply attend on their terms, or spend all their time playing games. If they were going to be a part of Emmanuel’s program, they had to follow Emmanuel’s rules. The benefits this structure had on the children were obvious, “Some have told me it could take a year to see a significant change, I saw it in two months! I thought to myself: If I could get 50 volunteers, what kind of difference could I then make in what I found appalling?”

After the project ended, Emmanuel loosened up on the structure his program had, and immediately saw a negative change in the children. This was unacceptable. Emmanuel decided he was going to start and run a nonprofit. Emmanuel knew it would be exceedingly difficult, he also knew it would be worth it. After a brainstorm session with his father, the name Mentor2Youth was chosen and much research began. He wanted the program to be highly organized, help kids through school, prepare them for higher education, provide them with caring adults to talk to and teach the kids life-lessons that would keep them out of trouble. Emmanuel’s sights were set high, “I did not want to just effect a few kids a year,” he wanted to make a large impact.

October, 2011 Mentor2Youth started. There were no donations outside Jones’s parents, and the rest of the funding came from Emmanuel’s pockets and bank loans. Emmanuel became very busy. There was a year’s worth of legal paperwork to do, programs to organize, recruiting of volunteers, funding to find, and of course, the children demanding Jones’s time.

Mentor2Youth took a trip to the Zoo!

“The main challenge was working with parents,” said Jones. He spent much time advocating higher education as the road to success, and it was difficult to really convince parents of this. “It was so hard for me to convey its (education’s) importance to them because we were from different walks of life…when you’re in an area where academics is promoted, it’s much easier.”

Emanuel held garage sales and other fundraisers to try to defer costs, but it was difficult the first year as no donations would come in.

That year is over, and Mentor2Youth has grown. Emanuel started with 5 kids attending, he now has close to 100. His organization operates in three locations: Lincoln schools, Ypsilanti, and Parkridge Community Center. Mentor2Youth now has 15-18 tutors ready to help the kids academically, mentors to speak with children about anything they like, and five to six administrators that keep it running. But it is far from smooth sailing, and there is still much work to be done.

Emmanuel’s contribution to the lives of these children is invaluable. Within the next five years, Emmanuel wants the program to reach throughout the county and have a paid staff. He says he would also like to build an after school house to get kids off the streets later in the evening. Emmanuel Jones’s ambition will get him there, but he is not able to do it alone.

Emmanuel and the children in the Mentor2Youth Program could use your help.

If you are interested in getting involved, Mentor2Youth is looking for the following:

–          Tutors

–          Mentors (once a week)

–          Marketers

–          Fundraising People

“I am not looking for a 4.0, I am looking for passion and consistency”

Mentor2Youth also offers student Internships, as well as Student Teaching Hours for Education Majors.

To get involved, go to

http://www.mentor2youth.com/

Or, visit The Vision Office on campus: 346 Student Center (Emmanuel’s office)

Or, Email him

emmanuel.djones@gmail.com

Be sure to follow Mentor2Youth’s Facebook and Twitter to stay in touch!

By Paul Martell

JOHN FENTON: SOMETIMES IT’S WHO YOU KNOW

John Fenton is a Young Alum who came to EMU relatively unattached, but had a major change of heart by the time he graduated

by Paul Martell

John Fenton: EMU alum, Journalism Major

What do you do when work and school becomes, “work and schoolish”? There comes a time in nearly every student’s life that the drudgery of class takes over, and there is not much enjoyment to be had. John Fenton is an EMU alum who found the answer during his time as an Eagle.

“After my first year, my impression was that college was ‘run of the mill’,” said John Fenton,  journalism major. What John did not yet know was that he would soon become involved with an organization, on campus, which would turn his experience around completely.

Fenton chose EMU almost on a whim back in 2007. “I was in all the advanced placement classes in high school, and really applied at random” said Fenton, “I didn’t really care too much.” John happened to be in Ypsilanti around the time that EMU was holding an open house, and he decided to attend. There he applied, was accepted, and that was the end of John Fenton’s college search.

Fenton said that, initially, his college experience was, “like any other college story; I wanted to be a writer, and I wanted to get through.” He would attend classes, do homework and repeat. Before long, John was contacted by Vision, EMU’s student-run volunteer organization, and John decided to get involved. This would be the first step towards turning John’s college experience around.

Through Vision, John ended up working with America Reads and spent many hours working to help tutor children in Ypsilanti schools. John stayed with Vision, helping children learn to read within the Ypsilanti community, for two years. Fenton said, “It was a lot of fun, I met and worked with good people; it was a great way to network.” However, being involved in Vision still did not do much to bolster John’s school spirit. In fact, John would say the cycle of going to class then working for Vision would become too, “work and schoolish.”

In 2008, Fenton decided to become a part of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity on campus, and it was this decision that would lead EMU to become a part of John Fenton’s life daily, even after graduating. At first, Fenton was very hesitant about joining a fraternity, but after repeated encouragement he decided to make the move.

“Greek life turned out to be the best thing to happen to me,” said Fenton, “you meet a variety of really good people, and it was a Delt’ that hired me where I am now.” John Googled Delta Tau Delta before joining, and was surprised to find that there have been two vice presidents of the United States, astronauts, congressmen and senators that were all “Delt’s”. John joined the fraternity, and became a large part in it.

Fenton (center) shows his EMU pride and still attends football tailgates at his university.

In addition to traveling to eight major cities, and handling many responsibilities within the fraternity, an accomplishment that Fenton remembers most fondly is working with Travis Rockey in writing the “Ritual Book”. Travis Rockey is the owner of Evening Post Publishing Company, and worked with Fenton to develop the book that would lay out the correct procedure for inducting new members. Writing the manual was huge as there were, “over 150 chapters worldwide and almost 7,000 members that had no standard for the Ritual.” That is all Fenton can say about the Ritual.

“The Virtue of being at EMU, and joining that fraternity, joining that group of guys and the experiences of traveling,” are all aspects that John attributes to really coming to feel a part of and enjoying EMU. John also fondly remembers having some “Gem professors” that helped him to grow. “I had a professor really open my eyes to how I looked at writing and myself. It redefined my relationship with not just writing, but the words I use to write” said Fenton.

In 2011, John Fenton left EMU and got his first job writing for Keller-Williams Real Estate, but he would not stay there for long. John’s connections with Delta Tau Delta were about to help him secure a fantastic job. One of John’s fraternity brothers worked at GE, and posted the opening for a writing position to his social media accounts. Fenton did not see this listing, however, a different member of his fraternity from EMU did see it, and remembered John. He then referred John for the job, and within a few moments, John had submitted his resume. Within two weeks, GE offered Fenton a job.

Today, Fenton works as a Social Media Specialist for GE. There he manages three to seven social media accounts, and generates all concepts and content for their social media campaigns. As far as how John’s future looks, he said, “I have no idea, bright hopefully. I still very much want to pursue a career in strictly writing. People have said the older you get, the less attached to the ideals of your youth you become, I find the opposite to be true.” John believes, more than ever, that the key to success in school is to participate more.

John still attends all the EMU football games and tailgates, and can appreciate the benefits that University involvement can bring. “The only reason I have a job at GE is because one of my brothers needed a writer, and another one of my brothers remembered me… Everyone who has a key role in my life is an EMU grad.”

– Paul Martell

 

 

 

WES & COLE PART 2: ALUMNI, ENTREPENEURS, GIVERS

Aframes Eyewear:

Winston “Wes” Stoody and Cole Sanseverino Part II of II

by Paul Martell

Wes Stoody and Cole Sanseverino are EMU Alums who have partnered on a dream, and are spreading their vision through their charitable, eyewear business

 

Wes Stoody knew that Aframes was going to be a reality. He had a cause, and he had a product. What he needed now was a plan. Wes left the nation’s capitol, and went home to Eastern Michigan University. There, in his room, Aframes was born. The cross country team would serve as his board of advisors for the conceptualization of the Aframes brand.

“My team helped me pick the colors for my first line,” said Stoody. Serendipitously, one of those teammates happened to be Cole Sanseverino.

From left to right: Cole Sanseverino, Partner at Aframes Eyewear; Wes Stoody, Founder and Partner at Aframes Eyewear

“After hearing about it over time, I knew it was going to be something great,” said Sanseverino, Partner at Aframes Eyewear. Cole graduated from EMU with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, and was also the first investor for Aframes Eyewear. Cole would say, just by getting to know Wes over time he knew, “this guy is going to make it.”

It was the cross country team that led Cole to enroll at EMU. Cole said that his first visit to EMU involved a 10 mile run with a group of young men he had never met before. “It was all out laughs…Before he (coach John Goodrich) offered me anything, I told him I was canceling my other visits and never looked back.”

Cole started his college life heading toward a degree in finance, but soon after, he discovered information systems. Cole attributes his academic success to the busy schedule academics and athletics gave him. Cole said, “More structure equals less trouble for me.”

One lasting memory for Sanseverino comes from a race that helped Cole in an unusual way. It was his first MAC Championship at EMU, the one mile indoor run. Cole considered the one mile, indoor “his race”. On the last lap, Cole fell behind and took fifth place. Upon exiting the track, coach John Goodrich asked, “Did you think you were going to win that?” to which Cole said “yes,” Goodrich smiled and replied, “Me too!” It was these types of relationships and positive enforcements that would add to the entrepreneurial spirit that Cole and Wes would need to succeed.  

It was Fall, 2012, when Wes Stoody felt overwhelmed by the challenges a start-up business offers. “I couldn’t do it, I felt like I was drowning,” said Stoody. He then spoke with Cole and, together, decided to become business partners. Since that partnership, Aframes has moved forward. The one year anniversary of Aframes Eyewear was January 13, 2013.

“We think that 2013 is our year,” said Sanseverino, “and we will work very hard to make that happen.” Aframes has more than just its first anniversary to celebrate; production of their eyewear has moved to Turkey. “We have moved production, and we are really excited because now the glasses will be all handcrafted and hand assembled,” said Stoody.

the Molly Cherry Front is just one of the stylish offerings from Aframes Eyewear

Aframes Eyewear has partnered with Helen Keller International to help spread knowledge about Vitamin A Deficiency and the cure since day one, and will continue to do so. However, it is important to the Aframes business model that they represent even more than a cause.  Stoody believes, in order to maintain business longevity, Aframes must offer a top quality product that adds to the reputation which comes with a meaningful cause. “We want to make such a high quality product that all the boutiques are carrying it; regardless of our cause, which we will always have” said Stoody. He says the key is to, “Have great glasses and a cause, not a great cause and a bad product.”

“VAD effects kids ages zero to four, and it’s not a ‘sexy’ cause,” said Sanseverino, “but for us to help give those kids a shot; it makes us feel good.”

Aframes today is run by Wes Stoody and Cole Sanseverino in Chicago, Illinois. They live in a two-story house. Together, they run Aframes out of the second floor, which has been converted into an office. As Aframes is still in its growth stage, Stoody and Sanseverino both still work other jobs. Sanseverino runs four miles to work, and four miles back. He works at a running store.

According to Wes, “The start of Aframes revolves around Eastern.” Both Stoody and Sanseverino are passionate about EMU and Ypsilanti, and have been building a high image for their University wherever they go. “I want an epidemic of people excited about Eastern,” says Sanseverino, “Keep pushing Ypsilanti West.”

Aframes Eyewear is one year old, recently upgraded production, and has a bright future. Just a few years ago, Wes and Cole could be found eating breakfast at the Bomber, or hanging out at the Corner Brewery. EMU is proud to have Alums who will reach out for a dream, or to aid those who need it.

It is impossible to point out one thing that makes a story like this happen. It could be a great team, a chance friendship, a documentary shown in class, a community that fosters growth, a University that offers opportunity, or two driven people. More likely, however, it is all of them together.

Please check out Aframes Eyewear, and support not only our Alums, but a great cause also.

To connect with Aframes like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter!

If you feel like you are missing some details, try checking out Part 1. It was posted last week!

-Paul Martell

 

 

 

 

WES & COLE PART 1: YOUNG ALUMNI GROWING TOWARD GIVING

Aframes Eyewear:

Winston “Wes” Stoody and Cole Sanseverino Part I of II

by Paul Martell

Wes Stoody and Cole Sanseverino are EMU Alums who have partnered on a dream, and are spreading their vision through their charitable, eyewear business

 

“I am forever grateful for what EMU, and those involved with EMU have given me, and I would really like to give back,” said Winston “Wes” Stoody, president and founder of Aframes Eyewear. He certainly has been giving back.

From left to right: Cole Sanseverino, partner & Winston “Wes” Stoody, President/Founder. They are also best friends.

Stoody is a 2011 graduate, and has a Bachelor’s degree in economics. One of Stoody’s passions is running. He was an extremely active member of EMU’s cross country and track and field teams. Stoody was also one of the few students to receive the honored Presidential Scholarship from 2007 to 2011. His plan was to graduate, go to grad school and become an economics professor. It was Stoody’s junior year at EMU when he took an Economic Development class that would open his eyes to a cause that would later change him.

“The class was about growing the economy of developing nations” said Stoody. He “loved” economics so this class seemed a logical choice for him. On no day in particular, Doctor Steve Hayworth showed a PBS documentary about Vitamin A deficiency in various nations around the world. Vitamin A Deficiency is a widespread problem that most commonly causes blindness, but also leads to failure of the immune system, and often death. It was through this documentary that Stoody learned one third, or 190 million, preschool aged children and over 19 million pregnant women suffer from Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). He also learned, approximately, half of the children that lose their sight to VAD will die within 12 months. These staggering truths left an impression in Stoody’s mind, he said, “I couldn’t believe most Americans just didn’t know about it.”

While the seed was planted, it was not yet time for Stoody to start his dream; he had other things to focus on. Stoody’s time was spent running for the team, and then going home to Downing Hall to study. He lived with team member and roommate Cole Sanseverino; Cole would later become a major part in the story of Aframes Eyewear. Stoody would say, to this point, his education was focused on course related classes, and not on general education.

Another defining moment for Stoody came in the form of a creative writing class during his sophomore year. To this point, Stoody’s classes were mostly mathematical, and less artistic. Stoody says, “It completely opened my mind and made me a better thinker, I didn’t take more (writing) classes after, but it helped me open my mind out of just Math, led me into poetry and changed my thought.”

During the summer of 2010, Stoody took an internship with the American Action Forum in Washington D.C. It was here that the final realizations would occur that would change Stoody’s life direction. He quickly found that “desk work” was not for him, “I wanted to do something that would matter, something that would count.”

Stoody rode the metro to work. It was here, reading the book Uncharitable, a book about the realism of the way Western culture values charity, that Stoody decided he was going to start his own business. It did not take long for Stoody to remember the documentary from the economics class he took. Stoody said, “I knew it had to be tied to Vitamin A, I couldn’t believe people didn’t know about it.” Then came the conception of Aframes Eyewear, a high quality, high fashion eyewear company that would give 5% of all its profit to, “spread the word about the problem, and help fund the solution.”

the Cameroon Caramel is just one of the many stylish offers from Aframes Eyewear

Stoody was finally going to do something that “would matter, something that would count”, but he was not going to be alone. Stoody knew what he was going to do, but it would still be a long road to get there. All that was left was to start.

Wes Stoody is very much loyal to Eastern Michigan University, and appreciates the contributions the University has made. “I am so grateful for the great education that I believe in…I think about it a lot,” says Stoody, “The kids that go to Eastern have a far greater chance at doing something special than other Universities because of EMU’s diverse nature.” Wes attributes his success and education to more than just his classes; he believes his growth has come from his team, his university, and his city.

It is great to hear about the cool, interesting things our Alums are doing. This is only part of the story. If you would like to learn the rest about Wes, Aframes Eyewear, VAD and the illustrious Cole Sanseverino you should check back for part 2.

Don’t forget to check out Aframes Eyewear and support the cause (and look better than all your friends doing it).

http://aframeseyewear.com/

Check out their Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation!

– Paul Martell

Greetings Everyone, I am the new guy!

Hello Young, Eastern Alumni!

As the new Alumni Relations intern here at EMU’s Alumni Association, I wanted to take some time to get to know each other. I suppose we can start with me.

My name is Paul Martell, and I am a senior majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Management, and a current member of PRSSA. I have been at this wonderful University of ours for 2 years, and hope to walk in April’s graduation commencement. I am sincerely excited to be a part of the Alumni Association team, and I am looking forward to communicating with all of you, and getting to know you a little better. After all, if everything goes according to my plan, I will be one of you (an Alumnus) by this summer. I keep pretty busy with classwork, but when I do get free time, I am all about soccer, running, and just about anything that gets me outside.

When I came to EMU, I was unsure about my major, and intimidated by my first University experience. However, after two years filled with wonderful professors, many hours of class in Pray-Harrold, and genuine friendships I think I get it. EMU is a place to figure out who you are, and how to use that knowledge to find your career. So when I really think about it, I am excited about EMU for the same reasons I am excited about my future in Public Relations. They both rely on 2 foundational principles: integrity and relationships.

This semester is going to be an exciting one, and we have some great events coming up. Do not forget to like the Young Alumni Facebook Page and follow the Alumni Twitter for updates on events and to join the conversation. I will keep you guys updated here on the blog weekly, and I am already working on some cool stories I know you will enjoy.

So what about you? Is there anything this new intern needs to hear from the Young Alumni? Are there any topics you would like to read more about, or are interested in? Please feel free to share.

Well, that is all for now. I look forward to meeting you in person this semester at our events, until then, we can always talk here.

–          Paul Martell

Taylor Maguire’s Farewell

The Office for Alumni Relations staff at the Lights Before Christmas event

The Office for Alumni Relations has easily been one of the best professional experiences I have had. Dan Mathis, Interim Executive Director of Alumni Relations has made sure that I received real, hands-on experience that prepared me for the workforce after graduation. I started in May, and my goal as the new alumni programs intern was to experience the university spirit, if you will. I am a not-traditional student and did not experience “normal” college life.

During my time here, I’ve witnessed the unity that I once missed on campus. And I was able to dabble in the normal college life, in a professional way of course. Besides experiencing more EMU spirit, I wanted to see the public relations alumni chapter become more involved. Since I started, a new president has taken over, Matt Eder. And now that I am an almost graduate, I’ve communicated with Matt and we plan to work together to help the PR alumni chapter grow and become more involved with campus activities and to organize more networking events. Besides gaining PR related experience, I have established some terrific relationships and witnessed how to be a great boss in the future.

And now for the shout out portion of the blog! First and foremost, Dan you have been a terrific mentor. You embrace the positive reinforcement theory to a tee; making interns want to do better and not disappoint, instead of feeling intimidated and frustrated. My second shout out goes to Jovan, you’re like my little brother and I enjoyed working next to you every day. It was definitely entertaining and I wish you the best in the future! You’re a smart guy with a great head on your shoulders. Timon Sherman, you are basically awesome. Kind and funny are the best words to describe you. You made me feel extremely welcome when I started.  Will, I wish you would have been here when I started so we could have worked together for a longer period of time. You are witty, intelligent and wise beyond your years.

Alison you’re so funny and great at your job here in the alumni office. I wish we would have worked similar hours, but working events with you was always so much fun and it was weird feeling like a giant for the first time next to you! Patty, I was always amazed how great you were with our alumni. You remember everyone and know how to make each and everyone one of them feel important and heard. That is a rare thing. And Jessica and Lisa, you both work together as a team so well and plan events very effectively. I learned a lot from the both of you over these last few months, and I wish you the very best.

So farewell Office for Alumni Relations and I’ll be seeing you!

Graduation Cap Decoration Event

Be a Proud EMU Graduate

Alumni Relations Intern, Taylor Maguire discusses the loyalty EMU graduates have for their mascot.

In my time here at the Office for Alumni Relations, I have learned a lot about my field and have gained some wonderful “real life” experiences. But one thing I cannot ignore before leaving my internship is the loyalty of alumni to their mascot. Of course before I started at the Office for Alumni Relations, I knew our past mascot was the Huron, but I never realized how important that mascot is to our alums. On the weekends my co-workers and I work the EMU tailgates. At these tailgates I have witnessed the devotion to the Eagle mascot and the Huron mascot. I graduate in December and all I can say when I leave I am an Eagle, but more than that I am the TRUEMU. I respect and appreciate the Huron mascot, but why so much segregation and hostility? I think we should embrace the history of our university be proud of the mascot that you had of your time here at EMU, but respect the past and the present. We have gone from the Normallite, Huron, Emu, and now to the Eagle. With all of these different mascots, I think it is safe to say we are all proud Eastern Michigan University graduates and it is all incorporated within the Block E.

 

~Taylor Maguire