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From Risk Management to the Courtroom

Alumni Story

Wellness and Recreation front entrance check in desk

Oct 21, 2025

Voices of the Wolfpack: Student Employees Reflect on Five Years of WellRec

The five-year anniversary of the NC State Wellness and Recreation Center on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, isn’t just a celebration of concrete, climbing walls and cardio machines; it’s a testament to the community forged within its walls. At the heart of this thriving hub are the student employees—the people who swipe the cards, lead the…

Oct 21, 2025

Wolfpack Alumnus Trades Carmichael ID Swipes for Athletic Revenue Generation

When Brian Simorka first arrived at NC State University, he was a New Jersey high school graduate planning to study Meteorology. A few years and a part-time job later, he had charted a new course, one that would lead him from swiping IDs at Carmichael Gym to becoming an Assistant Athletic Director for Revenue Generation…

Aug 5, 2025

From Carmichael Gym to Global Inspiration: The Sweet Success of Jess Ekstrom

In the vibrant halls of NC State’s Wellness and Recreation Center, many students find their passion, but few launch a movement. Jess Ekstrom, a proud NC State alumna who graduated in 2013, was one such extraordinary individual.  As a group fitness instructor at Carmichael Gym, Jess not only helped her fellow Wolfpack members find their…

Apr 14, 2025

Setting the Tone and Building Connections at Wellness and Recreation

As Student Employee Appreciation Week (April 13-19, 2025) approaches, NC State Wellness and Recreation is excited to highlight the incredible contributions of our dedicated student staff. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Shane Lamont, a senior Business Administration major concentrating in Supply Chain and Operations Management with a minor in Accounting, who excels as a…

Apr 14, 2025

2,772.69 Hours and a Lifetime of Memories Later

In Loving Memory of Tyler Campbell, Susan Dodson and Hero Miles Campbell From my heart, and as a friend, I share this remembrance of incredibly special members of our Wolfpack family: Tyler Campbell and Susan Dodson, both former student employees who brightened our department, and their courageous young son, Miles Campbell. The sudden loss of…

Apr 14, 2025

Ensuring Safety and Fostering Community at Wellness and Recreation

As Student Employee Appreciation Week (April 13-19, 2025) approaches, NC State Wellness and Recreation is proud to recognize the invaluable contributions of our student staff. This week, we’re highlighting Matthew Badger, a dedicated senior Sport Management major with minors in Sport Science and Coaching Education, who serves as both a Facility Supervisor and a Sports…

Apr 11, 2025

Inspiring Wellness at NC State

As Student Employee Appreciation Week (April 13-19, 2025) dawns, we’re shining a collective spotlight on the incredible team of Fitness Program Assistants who are the heart and soul of our fitness initiatives at NC State Wellness and Recreation: Becca Strong, Taylor Sine, Bellina Johnson and Avery Hunter. These graduating seniors (Class of 2025) bring a…

Mar 6, 2025

Route to Passion

Howard Rhile ‘23, a computer science major, came to NC State to study code, but he left with a passion. His time with Wellness and Recreation, specifically at the climbing wall, wasn’t just a job; it was a journey of self-discovery. Howard’s story illustrates how high impact experiences can set students on paths they never…

Mar 6, 2025

The Facility Grind

Jordan Kelber ‘19 was a gym regular and as a first-year student, used Carmichael Gym daily. As a sport management major, Jordan began taking courses related to facility management, and his interest in working at the gym sparked. In his sophomore year, he was hired as a facility assistant and shared, “I found joy in…

Mar 6, 2025

From Risk Management to the Courtroom

From nervous freshman to confident leader, Kaylyn’s journey at NC State’s Wellness and Recreation (WellRec) is a testament to the transformative power of student employment. Beginning as a facility assistant and progressing through various roles, Kaylyn discovered hidden talents, honed her leadership skills, and solidified her career path, all while building lasting relationships and making…