10 Within 10 Recognition
Scott Stewart '15
Major: Integrative Public Relations
Current job: Communications and development manager at Oakland Integrated Healthcare Network
What is your fondest memory of CMU?
Walking into my residence hall on move-in weekend. Knowing that CMU was my new home, with my new family to come and the life-changing experiences waiting for me, was more impactful than I could have imagined.
What are you proudest of?
Being able to help grow the integrative public relations program by implementing a new and improved curriculum during my last year on the IPR Council. Post-college, I am proud of being able to build our marketing and development program, including gaining over $4 million to grow and expand our services for the community.
What advice would you give new graduates?
Connect with your community and find a new home. After I graduated, it was a difficult transition from having my closest friends barely a mile away from me at all times to having them many miles and hours away. Staying in touch is important — but so is finding that new community.
What has your work life taught you?
Upon graduation, you have at least 45 more years of work ahead of you — that’s a long time! If you spend it doing something you hate, you will regret it. Learn what you are passionate about and get involved.
What influences at CMU helped you succeed?
My greatest influences revolved around the programs I was involved in and the mentors I had alongside them. Jim Wojcik, my adviser when I was president of CMU’s Public Relations Student Society of America chapter, continues to play a significant role in my life. The Alternative Breaks program had the most significant and profound impact on my life and my career trajectory.
10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update
Current city and state: Pontiac, MI
Current job title and employer: Director of Strategic Initiatives at Honor Community Health; Adjunct Faculty at Rochester University
What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?
I've had such an incredible opportunity to be engaged in critical, life-changing initiatives throughout my career and involvements that I've been able to see come full circle. Whether helping Avalon Healing Center open up an entirely new center or helping to start the Pontiac Community Foundation from the ground up, I am so lucky to do what I do!
When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind? Gratitude