CAAE Member Spotlight, August-September 2021
By Gabrielle Korn | August 31, 2021 | in Published Articles | 0 comments
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A few months ago, the Communications Committee introduced spotlights of current CAAE members to help us get to know one another a little better. In this edition, we introduce a separate set of questions specifically for new CAAE members, those who have joined since the beginning of last year. Meet Brian Breittholz (FIU) and Matt Folk (Purdue), compilation courtesy of Raphe Beck (UOregon).
Name: Brian Breittholz
Institution: Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida
Q: Are you new to alumni relations, new to your institution, neither or both?
A: I'm old, but new to FIU! I began my FIU role in January, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. My career began in Student Affairs, working primarily with fraternities and sororities. Every year was a combination of Groundhog Day with the same issues, year after year, and had the wear and tear of a dog’s life, each year feeling like seven. After 10 years, I moved to development work, followed by alumni relations. Most recently, I served as the AVP for Alumni Relations at Cleveland State University. You know - Cleveland Rocks!
Q: Best perk of the job so far?
A: No snow! Seriously, the weather is incredible in South Florida, as is the food. I’ve been introduced to so many new ethnic dishes. Regrettably, my waistline is showing it.
Q: Biggest challenge so far?
A: Connecting with folks during COVID and now the Delta variant has been a great challenge. Like so many of us in the profession, I’m a people person. I’m energized through interactions and connections with people. Although Zoom has been a lifesaver in many ways, I still crave being in the physical presence of others.
Q: If you needed to, could you sing your school’s fight song and/or alma mater?
A: Not on key.
Q: What would it surprise people to know about you?
A: That I love to lip sync pop artists in the shower!
Q: Who would be your dream dinner guests?
A: Oprah. I’m not joking. I love her. She can bring along Gail, as well.
Q: When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me…
A: Walking my beagles, Missy and Chase. They’re my babies. And when not walking the dogs, shooting photos. I took up photography many years ago and find it to be a great creative outlet for me.
Name: Matt Folk, Purdue BSECE ’91
Institution: President and CEO, Purdue for Life Foundation; VP of University Development and Alumni Engagement, Purdue University
Q: Are you new to alumni relations, new to your institution, neither or both?
A: New to both. I had sold my semiconductor business and retired when the University asked me to help integrate all our Alumni, Foundation, Industry, and Fundraising organizations into one.
Q: Best perk of the job so far?
A: Personalized golf cart.
Q: Biggest challenge so far?
A: Integrating eight different organizations into one, during the pandemic.
Q: If you needed to, could you sing your school’s fight song and/or alma mater?
A: Yes, easily. Hail Purdue!
Q: What would it surprise people to know about you?
A: I’m an excellent cook and baker.
Q: Who would be your dream dinner guests?
A: Legendary basketball coach John Wooden or Ronald Reagan.
Q: When I’m not on the job, you’ll find me…:
A: Mowing my wife’s horse pastures.
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