Your Fellow APs

Interview by Laura Wise, APA Executive Board

The featured APA Member for this newsletter is Dean Matsudo who is an Operations Coordinator for the East Neighborhood through Residence Education and Housing Services.

How long have you been at MSU?

In 1979, my first job was doing pots and pans as a student employee at Case Hall. I was promoted to a student cook, then to a student supervisor. I became a full time supervisor in 1980 after graduating. I trained at Kellogg Center, then worked at West Circle as a Food Services Supervisor. I worked at McDonel Hall, Snyder-Phillips & Mason-Abbot Halls as a Night Manager, Assistant Manager at West Circle and Brody Halls, Manager of Holden, Wilson, Holmes & Shaw. I have also worked as a Conference Coordinator and Operations Coordinator after University Housing and Residence Life combined to become Residence Education and Housing Services. I have worked in ALL Residence Halls at MSU.

Have you been a member of APA the whole time?

I have been a member of the APA for 2 ½ years.

What brought you to your job at MSU?

I came to Michigan State because I met the Department Chair of Communications while I was doing research at the East West Center at the University of Hawaii. Bradley Greenberg recruited me to MSU. I transferred to MSU after 4 years at the University of Hawaii and I graduated from MSU in 1980 with a Bachelor’s in Communications (with Honors).

What do you love about working at MSU?

Special memories:
– As a student cook – making 1,000 Grilled Cheese and Ham & Cheese sandwiches on one shift.
– As a student supervisor – all halls had Special Dining Rooms – students would dress up in suits and dresses to be served a special meal, like going out to eat at a fancy restaurant. We would have special meals and groove to the disco music.
– As a manager – taking the staff of Holden Hall to U of M and Eastern to see their halls and food services – I learned that if we could put napkins on the tables, we would save the department over $50,000 a year (over a million dollars has been saved by changing one item).

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I have a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and am a Bronze Certified Coach in United State Bowling Congress. I am also a Certified Youth Volunteer Coach, Director on the USBC Greater Lansing Youth Bowling Association and Youth Representative on Greater Lansing USBC Bowling Association. I have been involved in youth bowling for over 25 years. I enjoy Disney World and Disney Land and love roller coasters.

I also enjoy spending time with my family – Wife – Sheryl, Son’s – Tim and Tom, Dogs – Oreo (Black Pug) and Vega (Scottish Terrier)

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