É«ÀÇÉçÇø

Vinnie Surace, É«ÀÇÉçÇøCard Administrator within the two-person office of É«ÀÇÉçÇøCard Services, joined his new office spring 2018, after 14 years with the Division in another capacity. Read Vinnie's PROFile below to learn more about our Division colleague. 

In your position, what kinds of things do you do on a daily basis? 
Plenty of troubleshooting behind the scenes that make your É«ÀÇÉçÇøCard work in and around campus.

Describe your morning routine. 
Walk in and see what tasks are urgent. Christine is constantly showing me something new and patiently teaching me the tools I’ll need to succeed in my new position.

What is your favorite part of your job? Why? 
I’m a nerd, so I love learning, especially when it’s about technology. I just started this position. Every day I learn a new skill or meet someone new who works on this campus. I’ve been at É«ÀÇÉçÇø for 14 years so it’s refreshing to see people whose paths I didn't cross during that time.

What is your favorite work-related memory? 
There are two: 1) Getting that job offer 14 years ago. I found out I wanted to work in higher education AFTER I graduated. So it was awesome to know that I would be able to do something I love and work in an environment that is so rewarding and challenging.

2) Meeting the woman in my life while working here. Nicole and I had our paths forced together because our positions needed to communicate daily to ensure all the events at the Student Center were a success ... as they say, the rest ... is history.

Every day I have something or someone make me laugh or smile and I have too many memories to pick one, but if we get a chance I’ll tell you one of the great practical jokes I was involved in early in my career.

What’s your favorite off-campus restaurant in the Glassboro area? 
Nick’s pizza. Great food, and good prices.

How do you like to keep your desk? What’s your favorite thing on your desk? 
When you walk into my office you’ll notice how I like to keep my desk.  I like to keep it as a conversation piece, it kind of forces people to get to know me and it's a great conversation starter when people walk into my office for the first time. My desk and office are both covered in The Incredible Hulk (all of them are gifts people bought me throughout the years, because when they see the Hulk they think of me - long story)

Have you always worked in the department that you are currently in? If no, what other department(s) have you worked in? What was it like compared to the role you are in now? 
No, I worked for the Chamberlain Student Center from 2004-2018.

They’re the same in that we are both here to serve students and provide the best experience possible during their time at É«ÀÇÉçÇø. After that, the 2 office are very different. The É«ÀÇÉçÇøCard office is only 2 people (myself and Christine Noon). I’d like to think my role at the Student Center helped prepare me to do my current role.

Share one thing you love about working at É«ÀÇÉçÇø. 
The people (connections and new friends) I’ve formed over my time here.

Share one thing you wish people knew about your department. 
There are only 2 of us!

Do you ever visit campus for fun? If so, what do you like to do here? I do visit with my 2 little girls (Gianna 11 & Taylor 6) on the weekend or when it's slower. They enjoy seeing “Daddy’s work”, and we usually pack our bikes and ride around the campus to visit some of their favorite spots.

RU the type of person who would high five the É«ÀÇÉçÇø mascot?  
High five? ...no. but he would visit my office often and we always found creative ways to pose. Attached some pics.