| | Diane Boehm-Director, University Writing Program |
| | Appointed Director of the University Writing Program in 1995, I laid the groundwork for the SVSU Writing Center, which opened in 1996 and moved to its current Zahnow location in January 1997. We have a history of excellent service to the University community, and I've been privileged to work with exceptional tutors and Coordinators! I am also Director of the Saginaw Bay Writing Project, and coordinate the Faculty/Staff Development Calendar, the Faculty Summer Institute, and the Braun Writing Awards. I chair the TLTR (Teaching and Learning with Technology Roundtable) Steering Committee and teach a variety of writing courses, from English 111 to upper-level electives. |
| | Helen Raica-Klotz-Writing Center Coordinator |
 | Since July 2004, I have been the Coordinator for the SVSU Writing Center. I am a lecturer in the SVSU English Department as well, where I teach composition and introductory literature courses. I enjoy teaching a great deal, and I enjoy writing too. I work as a freelance writer for local newspapers, have published two books, and have published poetry in several small journals. I have taught personal writing in the community in a variety of settings; recently, I worked as a writer-in-residence at an alternative high school. I am very pleased to be a part of the Writing Center’s talented team of tutors. |
| | Matthew Falk |
 | I'm a "non-traditional" student—a label I find far more appealing than "that old guy." You might say I'm a late bloomer: this is my fourth attempt to finish college, and I believe I'm finally getting it right. I'm going to graduate in May of 2009 with a major in creative writing and a minor in history. In addition to working at the Writing Center, I'm the editor of Cardinal Sins and the secretary for SVSU's chapter of Alpha Chi. I grew up in Green Bay, WI, lived in Minneapolis for several years, and now reside in scenic Bay City with my wife and our cats. I've held a variety of jobs in my day, some good, some bad, and I can say with no exaggeration that the Writing Center is the best gig I've ever had. I love helping my fellow SVSU students succeed academically. When I'm not working, writing or studying, I can usually be found with my nose buried in a book; my favorite authors include Beckett, Kafka, Pynchon, and Barthelme. I also enjoy all kinds of music, from Bach to rock. Back when I used to have "spare time," I used to like to spend it playing the piano or painting. |
| | Mat Easterwood |
 | I am a graduate with a Creative Writing and Theatre double-major. I have been at SVSU for an eternity (this may be a slight exaggeration). Originally from Gladwin, I am very involved in Cardinal Sins, Alpha Psi Omega, The Writer's Sanctuary and, most likely, any play the Theatre Department has in production. I am outgoing and approachable, and think that I'm remotely intellectual and incredibly odd. I enjoy movies, books, my family, FoCing, dreams of things far more splendid or unreal than reality as it is, spending time with my friends, disking (i.e., ultimate-Frisbee), piña coladas and getting caught in the rain. My only job at present (which means as of whenever this bio was formulated) is mentoring in the Writing Center. It is, without a doubt, the best job I've had since retiring from the chicken raising industry (I really miss those birds). |
| | Elyse Vigiletti | |
| I am a junior attending SVSU with a double major in English Literature and Communications and a minor in Gender Studies. I hope to enter graduate school and specialize in twentieth century American literature; eventually I plan to teach at the college level. I’m a big fan of semi-colons and I think that “moist” is the most hideous word in the English language. I have finally forgone my glamorous career as a wireless phone salesperson to concentrate on finishing my degree and work at the Writing Center. I’m looking forward to doing both. |
| | Sara Kitchen |
 | I am a junior with a double major in Professional and Technical Writing and Communications. Picking a minor is on my to-do list. So far at SVSU, I have participated in Alternative Breaks, intramural basketball, and a brief stint with the club swim team. I am a former resident of Living Center South, but now live off campus and continue to miss the RFoC and my freshman meal plan on a daily basis. When I'm not in class, I enjoy engaging in friendly games of basketball on the campus courts, trying out various comfy armchairs around the university to study/sleep in (the life of a commuter with no bed to go back to), and watching cheap movies at the Quad. I am very excited to begin working at the Writing Center and look forward to meeting and working with lots of new people. |
| | Noah Essenmacher |
 | I am a senior, majoring in English Education. I'm pursuing minors in Chemistry and Creative Writing. I began informal tutoring after my high school graduation. I live in my home town of Bay City, and I work in Saginaw as a UAW autoworker. I have had the opportunity to live out of state and to travel abroad. I come from a large family, and I enjoy spending time with my younger brothers and sisters. When I have the luxury of free time, I look forward to seeing films, reading fiction, writing, and playing golf and tennis. I like to attend campus and community events, so look for me and say hi. I love meeting new people! |
| | Jamie Wendorf |
 | I am a sophomore here at Saginaw Valley. I'm still exploring the options for my major, although Professional and Techincal Writing is a strong possibility. I am a member of the Honors Program, which I have found to be very rewarding. I'm originally from the small town of Brown City, but I now live on campus. I work at the local deli when I'm at home. My favorite things in the world are reading, playing Singstar with my roommates, eating Chinese food, and spending time with family and friends. I'm excited to work as a mentor because I like helping others, and because I love to meet new people. |
| | Kelsey Mapes |
 | This is my third year at Saginaw Valley. I am a nursing major starting my first year in the program. This is my second year on the Saginaw Valley Dance Team, and my first year serving as the secretary for the team. I have been involved with programs on campus like Program Board and Alternative Breaks. |
| | Robbie Pieschke |
 | Hello friends! I am currently in my fifth year of college and have had the opportunity to take what feels like hundreds of great classes in preparation for graduate school. My majors are English Literature and Communication and my minor is Professional and Technical Writing. Along with the Writing Center, I have worked at a coffee shop in Saginaw called Crumbs for almost four years. I love talking with friends about books, new music, and movies and am very excited to be a part of the Writing Center staff. If ever I get any free time, I usually spend it reading Raymond Carver stories or watching Arrested Development DVDs while eating Chinese food with my family. |
| | Chelsea Smith |
 | I am currently a junior at SVSU and am studying pre-OT. I coach JV Girls Basketball at Frankenmuth High School and work at GAP Outlet in Birch Run. I am also SVSU's Campus Manager for organizing and selling Spring Break trips though StudentCity! (If you want to go- let me know!) I have a twin brother, Chris, who serves our country as a Marine and a younger sister Katie. I enjoy running, shopping, eating and playing basketball! Currently, I am training for a half- marathon (13.1 miles) and really love to just relax with my friends. FUN FACTS: I can eat a whole bag of Oreos in one sitting, no problem. Same goes for a box of spaghetti. Love it! |
| | Tyler Germain |
| | I am currently in my fourth year at SVSU, majoring in Secondary Education in the field of English, with a minor in Physical and Health Education. On campus, I am a member of the amazing Cardinal Sins literary magazine staff; off campus, I coach track and field and play bass guitar in a band called Besieged. After graduating, I hope to teach somewhere in Michigan - assuming there are any jobs left. Wherever I end up, though, I'm sure I will have a great time teaching and continuing my coaching career. In the time I don't spend on homework, I enjoy working out, playing sports, and traveling all over the country to play music. I try to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings at least once a week, to hang out with my friends as much as I can, and to sneak movie quotes into everyday conversation whenever possible. |
| | Patrick Herald |
 | I am a senior majoring in literature, minoring in philosophy and communication. I am the opinion editor at SVSU's student paper, the Valley Vanguard, and have been writing there for three years. My long-term goal is to go to graduate school and eventually teach at the college level, either at a community college or a university. In my spare time I enjoy practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and playing the guitar and occassionally the drums, and hope to begin recording my music at some point. I could also sit and watch movies for weeks at a time without complaint. |
| | Kelli Fitzpatrick |
 | I am a junior pursuing a degree in Secondary Education English with a Communications/Theater Minor. I am also a member of the University Foundation Scholars Program and the Honors Program. After I graduate, I would like to work as a high school English teacher and eventually get a PhD and become an English professor. My favorite on-campus activities are being involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and serving on the planning committee for SVSU's annual Relay for Life. I grew up on a family farm in the small town of Beaverton, Michigan, and I feel that family and faith are the most important things in life. In addition to my job at the Writing Center, I have the awesome job of working at a pumpkin farm in my hometown every October, painting pumpkins. Some of my other interests include watching Star Trek and Star Wars, engaging in friendly political debates, and going on long runs through the woods. |
| | Rachel Audet |
 | I am currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education, with a major in English and a minor in History. I have always loved to learn and my dedication to my academics has earned me membership in the University Foundation Scholar’s Program, as well as the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Most of my time, however, is dedicated to the SVSU chapter of His House Christian Fellowship, through which I lead the Hands and Feet Service Team, a volunteer group that does volunteer projects both on-campus and in the surrounding community. I am from the small town of Peck, located in the thumb of Michigan. When I am at home, I work at Ben’s Do It Best, the local hardware store. I am also one of the few people who can honestly say that I love my job, as well as the people that I work with. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cross stitching, and listening to Country and Christian music. I also love to watch sports, especially hockey, football, and NASCAR Racing. My biggest achievements came in 2004, when I introduced the Secretary of Education to my high school, and in 2006, when I hiked the Grand Canyon during Spring Break. |
| | Ryan Essenmacher |
 | I'm a senior here at SVSU. I'm originally from Shelby Township and I graduated from De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren. I'm an electrical engineering major with an interest in robotics. I'm a member of Cardinal Formula Racing and the First Year Board. I love to read, play Halo 2 and race cars. |
| | Kevan Umberfield |
 | I am a junior from Freeland, MI. Although my major is currently undecided, my inclination is towards Engineering or Education. Here at SVSU I'm in both the Foundation Scholars and Honors Programs, as well as both the Concert and Chamber Choirs and the Forensics Team. In addition to writing I enjoy singing, playing the piano, working on the computer, traveling, watching classic cinema, and reading science fiction and the classics. At the Writing Center, I look forward to helping others with their writing as well as improving my own. |
| | Stuart Chipman |
| I am a freshman here at SVSU with a yet mysterious major, but certainly a Spanish minor, which is a start. I am a retired mediocre high school athlete who now gains satisfaction from keeping in shape for health's sake. I am one of four siblings who have conquered colleges and universities in five cities across Michigan, from Kalamazoo to Lansing to Saginaw. My Grandpa told me that if I didn't know what I wanted to do, not to burn any of my bridges-- so I have become a metaphorical bridge builder who can't decide which one to cross. I am always excited to meet more people as a tutor and to help cross bridges at Saginaw Valley. |
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