Staff Stories
Taren Storrs
Director, Major Market Engagement – West Coast Region
What do you love about working at University Advancement?
The chance to meet with Spartans from every background who have two things in common: living on the west coast and being an alumn of MSU. It′s wonderful to connect them back to the campus, university initiatives, and showcase ways for involvement, even from 2,000+ miles away.
Which UA value do you identify with most and why?
The fact that we′re working to establish or further develop long-term relationships with alumni and other stakeholders that will ensure increased support in the future.
What would you say is your biggest achievement or contribution to UA?
It′s multi-faceted. I′m really proud that many Spartans in my area went from no relationship with the university to a rejuvenated one, and that I had something to do with that. Some were involved in a first-ever Global Day of Service Project, others were connected with the same professional interests, some participated in an event and others learned something new about connectivity from afar.
What’s your favorite MSU Dairy Store ice cream flavor?
Sesquicentennial Swirl
Patty Gonzales
Corporate and Foundation Relations Prospect Development
What do you love about working at University Advancement?
UA allows me to participate in the collective effort to support the advancement of knowledge necessary to improve lives in our own backyard and across the world. During my tenure at UA I have connected with faculty and staff across campus that is collaborating with scientist and communities in my home country, Peru.
Which UA value to you identify with most and why?
UA empowers ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results.
What would you say is your biggest achievement or contribution to UA?
Adding intelligence to the strategy of corporate and foundation development officers.
What’s your favorite MSU Dairy Store ice cream flavor?
Orange Sherbet
Andersen Boyer
Donor Recognition Coordinator
What do you love about working at University Advancement?
I love that while I am not currently in a position to give financially, I can be a small part of creating opportunity for others to gift education to exemplary scholars; endow chairs for continued research and advancement; and fund facilities and resources that will allow us to lead into the future.
Which UA value to you identify with most and why?
Passionate. I love MSU and moved to East Lansing to raise my sons in its shadows. I′m intensely proud of our world class education and our beautiful university.
What would you say is your biggest achievement or contribution to UA?
Successfully assisting our team in navigating a very busy fall season with one-third of our regular staff. Unforeseen circumstances found us in a tough spot, but together we produced over 30 high-level events in a little over a month.
What’s your favorite MSU Dairy Store ice cream flavor?
Sesquicentennial Swirl. HANDS. DOWN.