Alumni from the Recreation, Park & Tourism industry will be sharing their career journeys as part of the Recreation, Park & Tourism Career Fair on January 25th. Get to know your alumni panelists by taking a look at their bios below. After the panel discussion, you are invited to stay and networking with the panelists before heading over to the RPTS Career Fair!
| Elise DeJean, Senior Sales Associate & Event Coordinator Mavris Arts & Event Center As a 2013 graduate from the Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management program, Elise DeJean is currently the Senior Sales Associate & Event Coordinator for Mavris Arts & Event Center in beautiful downtown Indianapolis. While as a student, she planned weddings and events at the Indiana Memorial Union. Elise found that her professional internship for school credit was a major component of landing a full-time event position. |
| Sophie Guthrie, Activities & Recreation Manager French Lick Resort Since earning her Tourism, Hospitality, & Event Management degree from Indiana University, Sophie has been fulfilling her recreation career dreams at the French Lick Resort in southern Indiana. After holding the positions of Conference Coordinator and Meeting & Event Manager, Sophie is now the Activities & Recreation Manager, overseeing what she lovingly refers to as the “FUN Department.” Her work days are filled with youth & family activities, bike rentals, corporate recreation, team-building activities, concert series, fitness and special event programming. Thomas Edison once said, “I never did a day’s work in my life. It was all fun.” Find a job that makes you feel the same way; and for Sophie, that has been the world of resort recreation! |
| Brittany Hook, Recreational Therapist Richard L Roudebush VA Hospital As an alum of Indiana University, Brittany graduated in 2009 with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She currently works at the Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center as a Recreational Therapist as has been with the VA for over four years. Her focus is in the residential treatment program serving homeless Veterans. Brittany is also a member of Recreation Therapists of Indiana. |
| William Knox, Director Grand Park William R. Knox has carried a longtime passion in sports business, administration and marketing. Knox received his B.S. in Recreation with a minor in Business from Indiana University in 2000, and after completing his undergraduate career; he accepted a position as the Director of Sports Marketing with the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Later, he became the Director of the Hamilton County Sports Authority. William is now the Director of the 400 acre Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, IN. His specialized knowledge of the industry allows him to bring special insight to his involvement in many local and national Board positions. |
| Julie Warren, Director of Tourism Visit Bloomington A proud alumna of the IU School of Public Health, Julie has worked at Visit Bloomington since graduating, starting in meeting sales then moving into marketing. She now oversees all leisure marketing efforts at Visit Bloomington, is president of the IU SPH Alumni Board, volunteers throughout the community, and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. |
