Member profile: Adam Overland

Editor/Writer, University Relations Marketing Communications and Creative Services

Started working at the University in April 2008

UMCF member since 2008

When asked if we can find Adam online, he had this to say:
There are far better things to find online than me. Start with this YouTube video.

Adam was nominated by Andria Waclawski who appreciates his sense of humor and the energy he brings to the table.

What brought you to your current job?
 
For starters, a tremendous boredom with my last job. I'd begun post-college life by working for an airline in Minneapolis as a ramp-agent, aka those guys with the orange wands who direct aircraft and load your luggage. To be clear--I loved that job. The people, the airplanes, the cheese-curd eating contests (I ate 93 in 60 minutes*)...but two years in, a communications position opened up and I began writing and editing the company's newsletter. That was great for about a year, but the challenge wasn't there.
 
What excites you about working at the University and for Creative Services?

University Relations is packed with people who a) care about their work/the U of M at a level I've never seen in previous work; b) are talented in ways that consistently amaze me; and c) love to go to happy hours.
 
What advice do you have for communicators at the University of Minnesota?
 
Take classes. There's no better way to get to know the U than from inside the core.

Your hometown and the first place you lived after leaving your hometown?
Sioux Falls, SD (aka "The Big City")
Moved to Brookings, SD and shortly thereafter, to Anchorage, AK
 
What do you do for fun?   
Landscape/stone work, exercise, and anything outdoors.
 
What is your dream job (besides the one you have!)?
I'm torn. If I had a better body I think I would like to build rock patios, gardens, walls, etc. But alas, my back and knees weren't made for a lifetime of it. So I'm left with ink to make my mark, and I feel pretty good about that.
 
Motto or personal mantra:
"The rich get Richard, and the poor get Phil."

I'm happiest when:
I'm reading a good book in the sunshine.
 
Favorite book/author?  
Favorite authors via acronym-soup: KV, HST, and DFW
 
Favorite food and drink?
Steak and red wine.
 
Favorite musician or band?
Once upon a time it was Ween. I credit them with giving me a keen sense for the absurd. Today I don't play favorites.
 
Favorite place on Earth?
Looking down on it from an airplane.
 
People may be surprised to know:
That I can almost certainly bench press more than you, and that this is incredibly important information.
 
If I could do it all over again, I would:
Have been born with special powers. Specifically, I would have had a genetic mutation that made my bone density equivalent to steal, my muscle strength that of a bear, and with a built-in retractable cape.
 
Pet peeves:
Pay your bills on time.
 
Before I die, I would like to:
Go to outer space. I'm serious. I'm saving hard for it.

Member profile: Colleen Ware

Web editor, College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Office of Communication

Started at the University in December 1996 with CLA Student Services and left in 2003. Colleen came back to CLA in November 2006.

Colleen was nominated by Carrie Van Hallgren because "she knows so much about the U and is so versatile in that knowledge. I call on her for advice for all kinds of things. She always has time for my questions (or at least she pretends to!) and she always has such wise answers."

What is your best/more amusing U-related memory?
I met my husband in my German class when I was a student here. (Yes, to me German is the language of love.) He was absent the first day of class, and I remember thinking, "That loser's gonna lose his place in class." Good thing for me that he didn't.

What is your favorite place on campus?
I have many. I loved walking through the foyer of Northrop Auditorium (when it was open, of course), and Folwell Hall with its updates is wonderful. Walking into Rarig Center always gives me a thrill because it smells the same as it did when I was completing my theatre arts minor as an undergrad. I think our campus is beautiful. (Stuff it, Travel + Leisure!)

What do you consider to be a best kept secret about the U?
University Theatre and University Opera productions! Our students are amazingly talented. Go see them! Plus the tickets are so affordable. Tickets and events website

Member profile: Todd Reubold

Director of Communications / Ensia Director, Institute on the Environment

Started at the University of Minnesota in 2005 and has been in his current role since September 2007.

Todd was nominated by Andria Waclawski who has gotten to know Todd and thinks he has a great story to tell. Andria adds that he is leading a solid team at the Institute on the Environment and respects what they have built.

Connect with Todd online
Twitter: @treubold

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
The people I work with! They're all incredibly creative, professional and committed to making the world a better place. Plus they're really great people, too. Together we've been able to produce some wonderful work in support of the U's Institute on the Environment.
 

Tell us about one of the coolest projects you've worked on for your job at the U?
One of the coolest projects I've worked on is probably the launch of Ensia - a magazine and events series showcasing solutions to the Earth's biggest environmental challenges. Through Ensia we've been able to raise the profile of the Institute on the Environment with our core audience while also connecting with new environmental leaders around the world.  

What do you consider to be a best kept secret about the U?
The St. Paul campus! It's quiet, the trees are beautiful, parking is easy, the ice cream is fresh, the gardens are gorgeous and each morning we enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of livestock. What could be better?!

I'm happiest when:
I'm skiing down a blue or black run high in the mountains right after a new snowfall. Especially if the ski run is at Whistler, Big Sky, Breckenridge or Vail. Pure bliss!

People may be surprised to know:
I've been playing the drums since I was ten and I spent most of my 20's touring the country with my band while signed to an Indie label.

If I could do it all over again, I would:
Start playing tennis at the age of two and win a Grand Slam by 23. (Guess I'll just have to settle for hopefully going to a Grand Slam tennis tournament someday!)

Member profile: Carrie Van Hallgren

Producing Director for Theatre Arts & Dance

Started at the University of Minnesota in July 2012

UMCF member since Fall 2012

Carrie was nominated by Kelly O'Brien who thinks we'll all be envious of her job promoting University Theatre Arts & Dance and the Showboat.

Connect with University Theatre Arts & Dance and the Showboat online:
facebook.com/UMTAD
twitter.com/UMTAD
twitter.com/UMShowboat

What excites you about working at the University of Minnesota and for Theatre Arts & Dance?
The Twin Cities is an amazing city for theatre and dance. Our artists are revered locally, nationally, and internationally. Most of those Twin Cities-based theatre and dance artists are working with us, in some form of another. They are teaching and mentoring our students, they are directing, choreographing, designing, and writing for us and with us.

What is your favorite accomplishment at the U, so far?  
This summer we entertained 12,800 audience members on the University of Minnesota Centennial Showboat, a five year high for us, the largest number since the the economy tanked in 2008. The student performers on the boat this summer we extraordinary. I was honored to be working with them.

What is your favorite place on campus?      
Rarig Center. The big concrete bunker is buzzing with art-making 24 hours a day. In every nook and cranny a student or faculty member is creating a scene, a design, or a performance that will move you or shock you.

Your hometown and the first place you lived after leaving your hometown?
My hometown is Platteville, WI. I lived there for 18 years and then moved to Davidson, NC for college.

The Top 3 highlights of my life:  
Aside from wedding my husband and the birth of my two kids, I had the opportunity to work on projects with Royal Shakespeare Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, and Yale Rep as a young professional.

People may be surprised to know:  
My husband put his career in public radio on hold to be a stay at home dad with our two kids.  And he used to work for Ira Glass, so that is really saying something.

Member Profile: Chuck Tombarge

Director of Public Relations/University Relations

Started at the University of Minnesota in January 2012

UMCF member since 2012

Chuck was nominated by Kelly O'Brien who admires him for managing the University's reputation and believes we should all have a deeper appreciation for what that takes.




Connect with Chuck online:
Twitter: @ctombarge
Facebook: facebook.com/chuck.tombarge
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chucktombarge

What brought you to your current job?
I was seeking a change after 7.5 years doing public affairs agency work. Specifically, I wanted to work for a single, mission-driven organization. A former colleague who was aware of changes in University Relations suggested I watch for this position posting. She believed the position would be in the sweet spot of my media, public organization communications and public affairs experience. I applied and everything fell into place. It was a great fit.

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
I love the variety. There is always something new, exciting -- and challenging -- happening at the U. It also feels like I'm experiencing college all over again. Having graduated from a private, liberal arts university (the University of St. Thomas), my college experience was much different than what is a Big Ten experience. I'm really enjoying the Big Ten, research, land-grant university experience.
 
What excites you about working at the U and for University Relations?
University Relations is incredibly fun because we touch all aspects of what the U does, and we have an opportunity to work with colleagues in all capacities across the U of M system. I enjoy supporting and helping to amplify the amazing things that happen on all of our campuses every day.

What is your favorite accomplishment at the U, so far?
Building a News Service team that pours its heart and soul into everything it does. We are well equipped to support our colleagues across the system and when we misstep, we are usually the first to point it out and find a solution to correct the situation. The News Service -- and everyone in U Relations and Gov Relations -- truly work as a team and have each others' backs. I'm proud to work among such great professionals.

What advice do you have for communicators at the University of Minnesota?
Be willing to ask for help and tap each others' expertise when you need to. There is a wealth of experience and unique expertise among the U's communicators. And the collegial and collaborative atmosphere among communicators is second to none.

Tell us about one of the coolest projects you've worked on for your job at the U?
Though I'm at arms length from it, I've enjoyed my involvement in and watching the Discover/new UMNews web site come together. It will be one of the most visible representations of how U Relations and the News Service are approaching media relations and communications in a new way. Rather than being bound by our own structures and tools (e.g. a press release vs. a web site story vs. a media advisory), the site will present all great stories as great content. That will make the site seamless for visitors and should allow all of the communicators involved a more effective way to achieve our common goal of effectively telling the U's story.

What is your best/more amusing U-related memory?
The team trips to the Big Ten News Directors conferences in Nebraska and Wisconsin with the U's News Service team.

What is your favorite place on campus?  
I really like the St. Paul campus, despite the limited amount of time I'm able to spend there. The green, open space makes it feel like a retreat in the city.  

What do you consider to be a best kept secret about the U?
That it truly is a world-class University. Growing up in Minnesota, the U wasn't looked to as a place that provides a great education, a personal student experience and the location of life-changing research. I think Minnesotans and others are beginning to catch on, but there is more work to do.

Your hometown and the first place you lived after leaving your hometown?
St. Anthony Village, MN. My first job out of college was as a reporter for the Austin Daily Herald in Austin, MN.

What do you do for fun?   
Travel and being outdoors in fall.

If I could do it all over again, I would:
Study abroad in college.

Member profile: Andria Waclawski

Creative Services Lead for the Office of the VP for Research

Started at the University of Minnesota in September 2006

UMCF member since 2006

Andria was nominated by Kelly O'Brien who is excited to hear more about Andria being a Google Glass beta tester.

Connect with Andria online:
Twitter: @SoBatman
Facebook: facebook.com/word.srsly
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/heyandria/
Personal website: heyandria.com   

What is your favorite aspect of your job?
My job is super varied (graphic design, photography, strategy, web design, and more) and has changed over the years, but getting out to take photos/interview researchers, meet their students, and learn about their work has been a constant perk. Bonus: Working for a University-wide office means I get to work with people in all the various colleges/units. There is so much going on here; it's staggering and inspiring and intimidating all at once.

What advice do you have for communicators at the University of Minnesota?
It's a big place and we've got a lot of work to do to get the word out. The most important lesson that I've learned is to see where you can partner and coordinate with fellow communicators to get the most out of every story and ultimately deliver a more consistent, informed message to your audience. It also doesn't hurt that this can help dodge the dreaded Duplication of Effort.

Tell us about one of the coolest projects you've worked on for your job at the U?   
Right now, I'm working on a special project called U of M Explorer (umnexplorer.com). I was selected by Google to join their Glass Explorers program--sort of an alpha test for their new wearable technology platform--and I've been using Google Glass to bring a new perspective to the storytelling I do on behalf of the U of M. It's been a unique experience to say the least and I'm excited to do more with it.

(Want to join Andria in her umnexplorer.com adventures w/@googleglass? Click here for more information.) 

My favorites:
Book/author:
Either the bizarre J-Pod by Douglas Coupland or the Scott Pilgrim series by Bryan Lee O'Malley.

Website:
YouTube. Come for the cute animals, stay for the PBS Idea Channel, Crash Course, Mental Floss, and more.   

Source of inspiration: 
HOW Magazine, Pinterest, and being behind my camera (be it my Nikon or iPhone). 

Favorite word and word that annoys me:
Dude and twee, respectively.

Food and drink:
I am a fool for toast with butter and Tupelo honey and a hot cup of peppermint tea.

TV show and movie:
I tried to answer this question for 15 minutes. If anyone wants to go talk movies and tv with me, let me know. I love City Lights and The Wire just as much as I love Galaxy Quest and Fawlty Towers.

Musician or band:
This is just as hard to answer as the previous one, but I can say that I often turn to Spotify genre stations based on David Bowie, The Beastie Boys, and Nina Simone.

Place on Earth:
So far Bogotá my most special destination, since I got to explore my Colombian heritage (the music, the food, the art, the lifestyle, the natural landscapes). 

The Top 3 highlights of my life:

• Going to Comic Con International in San Diego
• Seeing a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theater in London
• That one time Hugh Jackman touched my hand

People may be surprised to know:
You can act as your own marriage officiant in Colorado. I know, because I eloped there almost two years ago and married my best friend at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Related fun fact: You can simply show up at a museum in a wedding dress, take a bunch of pictures, and get married for the price of a regular admission.