Future Alumni Leader Award
Kaitlyn Coons
Kaitlyn’s dedication and leadership are shown by her involvement in campus organizations, volunteer work, and planning committees. She was a CMU Resident Assistant in Barnes Hall for one year Calkins Hall for her second year, where she mentored over 85 students, guiding them to campus resources.
While juggling her academic schedule, Kaitlyn also found her passion for volunteering and planning events. She participated in CMU Alternative Breaks traveling to North Carolina to provide recreation opportunities and food education, promoting healthy habits in a community. In 2019, Kaitlyn enrolled in the Gus Macker class and returned in 2020 as a teaching assistant to serve as a mentor for the Special Events Team.
Kaitlyn has volunteered for over 75 events through her many campus involvements with Program Board, the Association of Recreation Event Professionals (AREP), and Siblings Weekend. Her committee involvement includes the CMU Connections Conference, Excellence in Teaching Award Committee, Leadership Council, Leader Advisory Board, the AREP Summer Job Fair, Leader Advancement Scholar Graduation Ball and student-organized festival, Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.
She is a recipient of the Academic Success Award, Leader Advancement Scholarship (LAS), Michael J. Kirkpatrick Leadership Award, G. Patrick Doyle Prize and was on the CMU Dean’s List from Fall 2017-Spring 2020. Kaitlyn began her internship in the fall of 2020 with the West Michigan Sports Commission in the department of the Meijer State Games located in the heart of Grand Rapids. Upon completion of her internship, Kaitlyn expects to graduate with a BAA in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services.