Long before Darius Hinton was managing complex business operations for Google’s global data center infrastructure, he was enforcing guest fee guidelines at Carmichael Gym, currently known as the Wellness and Recreation Center.

It was a quiet summer weekend in 2006 when a young athlete walked into the gym. Even though the visitor was future Super Bowl MVP Russell Wilson, Hinton—then a student manager—didn’t flinch. Because Wilson wasn’t an active summer student at the time, Hinton charged him the standard guest fee.

“I still wonder if that’s one of the reasons he was at Wisconsin the next year,” Hinton joked.

That moment was more than just a brush with fame; it was a lesson in high-stakes operations and consistency. As NC State prepares for its annual Day of Giving on March 25, Hinton is sharing how his time with Wellness and Recreation allowed him to Make His Mark on campus—a foundation that led to a resume featuring strategy consulting, a decade as a Major in the U.S. Army and his current role at Google.

Building a Foundation for Leadership

A 2011 graduate who double-majored in Natural Resource Economics and Agricultural Business Management, Hinton began his journey with Wellness and Recreation in 2006 as an intramural sports official and recreation center manager (currently known as a facility supervisor).

While many view campus jobs as simple part-time work, Hinton saw a laboratory for leadership. Managing teams of five to 10 staff members, he was responsible for facility security, equipment maintenance and emergency response.

“My time at the Rec Center prepared me for my career,” Hinton said. “Leading small teams, managing millions of dollars in equipment, and handling guest services developed soft and technical skills I still use today. If you can ensure a five-dollar guest fee is properly collected, you can handle the complexities of a global tech giant or a federal budget.”

Managing Under Pressure

One of Hinton’s defining experiences was serving as the student co-chair for a three-day national basketball tournament. For three months, he led operations coordinating logistics for 64 teams and 2,000 spectators.

“It was my first experience with integrated project management,” Hinton said. “I was balancing a budget, analyzing data, and creating a seamless participant experience. I reflect on that tournament even now when I’m developing financial models or business performance metrics.”

The Power of Mentorship

For Hinton, the value of Wellness and Recreation extended beyond the gym floor. He credits the professional staff within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs (DASA) for treating student employees like “emerging professionals.”

“They offered thoughtful guidance, recognizing we were students balancing academic demands with our professional responsibilities,” he said. That mentorship inspired Hinton to stay connected to the university, eventually joining the DASA Student Success Advisory Board to help current students Make Their Mark on their own career paths.

Make Your Mark This Day of Giving

As Day of Giving approaches, Hinton emphasizes that donations to Wellness and Recreation do more than maintain a facility. They fund the professional development, certifications and scholarships that allow students to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workforce.

“The experience and mentorship I received was essential for my growth,” Hinton said. “By giving back, I help ensure students have access to the same foundational career experiences that launched my life in the military and the private sector.”

Hinton’s message to current students is simple: the “Think and Do” spirit is how you leave a legacy.

“Your time on campus is brief yet impactful for you as a complete individual,” he said. “The power of the alumni network lies in the understanding that your college experience is defined by the people you connect with throughout life.”

Join Us on Day of Giving On March 25, you have the opportunity to Make Your Mark. Your gift to NC State Wellness and Recreation supports student employee professional development and scholarships, ensuring the next generation of leaders like Darius Hinton are prepared to lead on a global scale.