CMU Chippewas behind the scenes at the Super Bowl

While most only see the action on the field during the Super Bowl, Central Michigan University alumni make sure the day goes off without a hitch. As leaders behind the scenes, 13 alums worked tirelessly to help make the event one of the biggest spectacles of the year. Below, some of these alums share how CMU prepared them for success long before game day.

Deno Anagnost, '05

Major: English: Creative Writing

As vice president of sales for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Anagnost oversees the luxury suite sales team for the Buccaneers, who provided an opportunity for suite owners to purchase Super Bowl tickets.

"My dream career in college was to actually write Super Bowl commercials. I loved all my advertising and marketing classes at CMU. Once I got into sales, that helped me tremendously in how to position the products we're selling."

Lindsay Anderson, '13

Major: Recreation: Recreation and Event Management

Anderson scheduled security and guest services team members and managed the employee check-in and check-out process for the Super Bowl as a senior administrator and events manager for S.A.F.E. Management.

"My degree from CMU has truly helped me get where I am today. The professors in the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration Department prepared me for the real world. I can honestly say if it wasn't for the internship program that I would not be in this position."

Chris Judd, '08

Major: Recreation: Recreation and Event Management

As senior event manager at S.A.F.E. Management, Judd worked directly with the NFL events and security departments to create, plan and implement security procedures for the Super Bowl and on-location NFL Experience events.

"Without my CMU degree, I would not be where I'm at today. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to manage the nation's largest events, including now my ninth Super Bowl. The CMU difference is real, the professors and advisors care about the future of their students, and the curriculum allows for real-world application following graduation."

Leticcia Miranda, '19

Major: Recreation: Recreation and Event Management

Miranda was responsible for preparation and execution of the check-in process of thousands of Super Bowl personnel as an office and events coordinator for S.A.F.E. Management.

"A big piece of my role is communicating, correcting and generally interacting with many different types of people from all walks of life. You can't be shy or reserved and can't be afraid to make decisions, whether or not they're the right one. My major put me in a position where I was around a lot of different folks, and I learned the importance of a first impression very early on."

Tony Mulkey, '02

Major: Recreation: Outdoor and Environmental Recreation

As special events superintendent for the city of Tampa, Florida, Mulkey oversaw use of public space throughout Tampa, including the NFL Experience at the Tampa Riverwalk.

"My CMU degree provided me with a strong foundation to continue to grow and expand my skills throughout my career. From learning how to design successful programs to the fundamentals of management and leadership, my education from CMU positioned me for success."

Greg Tonge, '18

Major: Broadcast and Cinematic Arts

Tonge shoots, produces and edits creative content for the Kansas City Chiefs' social media channels.

"My degree from CMU allowed me to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to get a job in sports media. During my time in the BCA program, I was able to get real-world experience working with Moore Hall TV and the Athletics Department so when I graduated, I felt completely prepared to join this competitive industry."

Additionally, CMU aired a commercial during the Super Bowl to celebrate our leaders on and off the field.