Mike Saxvik
Coordinator for Student Involvement/Programming Leadership

My educational experience
I graduated from Northwestern University (Go 'Cats!) in 2003, earning my Bachelor of Arts in psychology and minoring in English. After a year off, I decided to return to school. In May of 2006, I received my Masters of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University.

Past positions and experiences prior to joining WU
I've worked in a number of different positions prior to coming to WashU. Most recently, I was the graduate intern for the University Activities Office at Michigan State. There, I was responsible for advising students and coordinating a number of programs for MSU, including concerts, a speaker series, even the campus's College Bowl tournament. I've also worked in a number of other areas of different universities, including orientation, Greek Life, and academic advising.  After finishing at Northwestern,  I consulted for my national fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau
As an undergrad at Northwestern, I was extremely active. I was heavily involved in the Greek community there, both in my chapter and in the Interfraternity Council. I was also extremely active with Northwestern's orientation program, New Student Week, serving as both a Peer Adviser and Peer Adviser Coordinator. I did all this while working as a both a lifeguard and a student athletic trainer for the football, men's soccer, men's tennis, and swim teams.  

My hometown
Right now, my family calls Glen Allen, Virginia (a suburb of Richmond) home; however, in my life I have lived in 8 states: North Dakota, Minnesota, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Virginia, Michigan, and now...Missouri.

My favorite food
That's tough. I love to eat good food. I'm a big fan of Thanksgiving dinner (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc). I love good Italian food, especially homemade. I also like sushi, Chinese, anything grilled, and breakfast!

My favorite place/thing about WU
I love learning about each student. Students here come from so many different places and have so many stories, it's fascinating. Being in St. Louis isn't bad either and campus is beautiful!

What I do in my spare time
I love to swim, work out, and golf. Basically, any time I can be outside and active is great. I am looking forward to exploring the museums and various sites of St. Louis. I enjoy traveling, whether it's to an apple orchard or Australia. I enjoy following sports, especially baseball and college football and basketball. One of my favorite things to do is go to a little coffee shop and read.  

My thoughts on leadership and involvement
Getting involved in any organization as an undergrad defines your time in college. They are the experiences you will always remember and cherish fondly. It is also a great way to speak your voice on campus, whether by deciding which artist should play at W.I.L.D. or helping to promote diversity and school pride. Taking on a leadership role is a way to really explore your strengths as well as learn a number of skills that will be useful in any career and throughout your life.  

My favorite leadership quote
"Let us endeavor so to live that, when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry"  -Mark Twain