Go Sharks Go! KIN Alumnus: Eric Manuta

Kinesiology Alumnus '10 graduate Eric Manuta.

Kinesiology Alumnus ’10 graduate Eric Manuta.

College of Applied Sciences and Arts Kinesiology (KIN) alumnus Eric Manuta has been putting his Sports Management degree to work receiving a recent promotion for the San José Sharks Ticket Sales department. Manuta graduated fall 2010 and has been working with the Sharks for 7 years.

Manuta started as a ticket sales intern for the SAP Open Tennis Tournament in November 2008. He later earned a full-time position in 2011 with the Arena Group Sales department after he graduated. Manuta built a reputation within group sales working on major events such as Disney on Ice, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and the 2012 United States Olympic Gymnastics Trials which led to him being promoted to manager.

Promotions didn’t slow down for this KIN graduate. Manuta’s hard work and leadership skills paid off as he moved from Arena Group Sales to an Account Sales Manager for the Sharks Ticket Sales department in 2014. He now holds the rank as Senior Sales Manager for his department with a focus in selling Sharks season tickets, partial plans, and premium group ticket packages.

Sharks pregame entrance.

Sharks pregame entrance.

Working in sports was pre-determined during his high school and junior college days. As he set foot on SJSU’s campus he found that the department of Kinesiology was a great fit for him. “One month into my KIN 70 (Introduction to Kinesiology) class, I grew a strong interest in Sports Management and never looked back,” said Manuta in describing how that course set the stage for where he is now.

Manuta said that he remembers his professor’s discussions about fieldwork, volunteering and applying for internship hours. It’s what he learned in the classroom and in the field that helped him move forward throughout his professional career.

“I found that constantly networking and having proven work in the field definitely pays off in the long run,” said Manuta.

Manuta is continuously setting new goals for himself as the Sharks Ticket Sales department continues to grow. He plans to build relationships with local schools to create more internship programs and, in particular, he wants to give back to his alma mater through internships.

“Things are constantly changing and I love setting new goals for myself to strive for,” said Manuta.

Aside from professional hockey games, the SAP Center gets little rest with concerts, shows and sporting events year-round. Manuta enjoys the fast paced environment of working for a professional sports franchise in one of the busiest buildings in the business.

Eric Manuta and Dean Schutten pose for a photo with the San José Sharks logo after a tour of the SAP Center.

Eric Manuta and Dean Schutten pose for a photo prior to the San José Sharks versus Minnesota Wild game. Sharks won 4-3.

Brigadier General Visits Aerospace Studies ROTC Cadets

United States Air Force Brigadier General Roy-Alan Agustin

United States Air Force Brigadier General Roy-Alan Agustin

Brigadier General (Brig. Gen.) Roy-Alan Agustin of the United States Air Force came to San José State University (SJSU) to speak with the cadets of Aerospace Studies Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) about his experience with the Air Force.

Brig. Gen. Agustin is the Director of Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He is a civil engineer graduate of Santa Clara University and earned his commission through the ROTC program at SJSU. Click here to read more about Brig. Gen. Agustin.

The general’s session began with a commissioning oath to former cadet and now 2nd Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) Stephen Rose who was then pinned with the bars of Lieutenant Rank by his parents.

Brig. Gen. Agustin commissioning 2nd Lt. Rose during the general's visit to speak with ROTC cadets.

Brig. Gen. Agustin commissioning 2nd Lt. Rose during the general’s visit to speak with ROTC cadets.

2nd Lt. Stephen Rose gets his bars of Lieutenant Rank by his parents after being sworn in by Brig. Gen. Agustin.

2nd Lt. Stephen Rose gets his bars of Lieutenant Rank by his parents after being sworn in by Brig. Gen. Agustin.

Brig. Gen. Agustin attributed the many examples of his success in the Air Force from cadet to one star general to the education he received as a college student and the skills gained while in SJSU ROTC program. He said that ROTC built a foundation which prepared him to be ready when asked to take command. “I was ready for it. You don’t want to be asked and not ready for it. Confidence is needed and ROTC training will prepare you,” said Brig. Gen. Agustin.

SJSU ROTC cadets listen to Brig. Gen. Agustin during his visit to SJSU.

SJSU ROTC cadets listen to Brig. Gen. Agustin during his visit to SJSU.

Brig. Gen. Agustin gave advice to the cadets about building their character, confidence and leadership while going through ROTC training. He said that being a collaborative leader and wanting to make a difference helps bring a team together. Staying humble, optimistic and practicing empathy to know what his airmen crew are going through helps creates a stable work environment that oftentimes can be stressful.

The general’s session was followed by a military traditional form of recognition called challenge coins. These coins are given in recognition of hard work and excellence an individual has displayed. Brig. Gen. Agustin presented each awardee with a coin.

2nd Lt. Tessa Land received recognition for increasing cadet recruits throughout Northern California and increasing the amount of high school scholarship program numbers.

Cadet Nathan Simon received recognition for maintaining a 4.0 GPA as an engineering student at Stanford University.

Cadet John Kenney received recognition for high academic achievements while leading the precision drill team and exemplifying service before self by organizing, leading and attending ROTC events on his own personal time.

Cadet Jordan Garza received recognition as a leader and mentor exceeding the standard as a cadet wing commander and professional role model.

Brig. Gen. Agustin was humbled to be back at SJSU after many years. He expressed his gratitude to SJSU Interim President Sue Martin and College of Applied Sciences and Arts Dean Mary Schutten for taking their time to attend his brief visit. Both Interim President Martin and Dean Schutten were just as pleased to meet Brig. Gen. Agustin as it is very rare that a general visits a campus to speak with cadets.

From left to right: Dean Mary Schutten, Brig. Gen. Agustin, and Interim President Sue Martin.

From left to right: Dean Mary Schutten, Brig. Gen. Agustin, and Interim President Sue Martin.

The general’s visit ended with cadets marching towards the flag pole to conduct “Retreat” where they stand in formation and salute as the flag is lowered.

The Department of Hospitality Management Shines at Super Bowl 50

Super Bowl 50 Front of Stadium

Hospitality Management students were hard at work on Feb. 7 for Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Prior to the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos kick-off, 40 students worked the VIP Tailgate along with College of Applied Sciences and Arts Dean Mary Schutten and Hospitality Management Professor Kate Sullivan.

Professor Kate Sullivan (left) and Dean Mary Schutten (right) prepare for the Super Bowl 50 VIP Tailgate.

Professor Kate Sullivan (left) and Dean Mary Schutten (right) prepare for the Super Bowl 50 VIP Tailgate.

Their jobs consisted of bartenders, servers and bussers for over 1,000 patrons including celebrities. After the big game, students decided to take up the offer to stick around and work extra hours for the after-party event.

Hospitality Management students working the bar at the Super Bowl 50 VIP Tailgate.

Hospitality Management students working the bar at the Super Bowl 50 VIP Tailgate.

Yvette Acosta, fourth year Hospitality Management student, worked as a bartender for the tailgate. She took the opportunity to work a large event and earn some extra cash. Acosta learned that an event of this caliber takes a lot of hard work from beginning to end and experienced how she and others contributed to creating a successful event.

“I got to see what it takes to make a mega event happen. Everything from the setup, equipment and technology used,” said Acosta.

Assistant Professor Faranak Memarzadeh and a group of 16 students participated in the halftime show to represent the department of Hospitality Management. The group practiced long hours prior to Super Bowl 50 where they would play a big part during the performance of Coldplay, Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. Memarzadeh appreciated the opportunity to get to know her students better and work as a team.

Hospitality Management Halftime Show Team.

Hospitality Management Halftime Show Team.

The Hospitality Management group heading backstage for the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show.

The Hospitality Management team heading backstage for the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show.

“Being involved with real case activities can affect a student’s social and professional life,” said Memarzadeh while explaining how this amazing experience led to new friendships for the students.

Hospitality Management Assistant Professor, Faranak Memarzadeh, snaps a photo of Coldplay during the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show.

Hospitality Management team member Shane Kaczmarek snaps a photo of Coldplay during the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show.

Point of view for the team before running onto the field at Levi's Stadium for the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show

Point of view for the Hospitality Management team before running onto the field at Levi’s Stadium for the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show

Recent graduates from Hospitality Management were also working hard to ensure a memorable game day experience. They supervised employees in areas of the stadium such as the United Airlines Club, Yahoo Fantasy Football Lounge, and Levi’s 501 Club serving food and beverages, maintaining high levels of cleanliness and customer service, and creating an atmosphere of Super Bowl fun.

Kudos to all the current students and recent graduates for their hard work during one of the world’s biggest games!

 

James Lee Selected to Serve as Editor-in-Chief

Journal of Applied Social Science

Journal of Applied Social Science

Justice Studies Professor and Chair, James Lee, has been selected to serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Applied Social Science (JASS). JASS is the journal of the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS).

“I am humbled by the confidence that the board of AACS has in me,” said Lee about being selected.

JASS publishes research that has a pragmatic, problem solving orientation. Applied social science involves using established theories and research methods to collect and analyze data for practical problems faced by organizations or communities. The work often involves a relationship between researchers and clients. JASS contributes to evidence-based knowledge, publishes evaluations, research articles and reports, and methodological advances in social sciences.

JASS is a valuable resource for finding effective programs and solutions to address real life problems as well as learning what doesn’t work. Lee says that the journal can be useful for students who will be called upon to solve problems for organizations in the future.

“JASS provides lessons for students about how to properly collect and analyze data to address social problems,” said Lee.

Lee’s responsibilities will require him to be the arbiter of quality for the journal and identify the most critical issues in applied sociology. “Editors must be energetic and attentive to the major discussions going on in an area of study,” said Lee about how this position holds great responsibility and effort.

Lee plans to do his best to keep this valuable journal available to researchers, practitioners, and those who value evidence-based policies and practices. The College of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Department of Justice Studies are proud to host this nationally recognized journal.

Hospitality Management Students Host Fall 2015 Beers Around the World Trade Show

Hospitality Management students pose for a group picture with their booth representing Mexico.

Hospitality Management students pose for a group picture with their booth representing Mexico.

San José State University (SJSU) students from the department of Hospitality Management (HSPM) hosted a Beers Around the World Trade show at The Glasshouse in downtown San José on November 13. The event was open to SJSU faculty, staff and students along with invited guests over the age of 21. Guests paid $5 for admission and tickets for tasting of beer samples. Additional beverages and food were also available for purchase during the event. All proceeds went to charity.

Students enrolled in HSPM 149, Beer Appreciation and HSPM 140, Meetings and Event Management planned and participated in the trade show. Beer Appreciation students worked in teams to fill the venue with decorated booths representing their assigned brewing region or country with at least two or more beer samples and food pairings for guests to taste. Event Management students planned the event and coordinated guest check in and concessions.

Carly Comer, a Hospitality Management student, worked with a group of fellow students from the HSPM 140 class to seek awards for the winners of the trade show. Comer said the class taught her how to work with companies to get sponsorships and donations.

Carly Comer, far left, and her HSPM group members outreached to several companies for sponsorships and donations for the Beer Tradeshow event.

Carly Comer, far left, and her Meetings and Event Management group members outreached to several companies for sponsorships and donations for the event.

“We reached out to different breweries in San José and Santa Cruz and were able to get prizes and beer donations,” said Comer about obtaining gifts that would be appealing to winners.

Comer’s group were also in charge of recording votes with an iPad in order to nominate beer presenters with the people’s choice award as guests exited the event.

Beer presenters competed with each other for judges’ choice and people’s choice award based on different criteria for each. Judges’ choice awards recognized the booths with the best beer and food pairing and best overall appearance, energy, tasting and knowledge. People’s Choice awards recognized the best apparel, most creative, and people’s favorite.

Students talk with guests about beer from Japan and offered sushi to pair with a variety of beer.

Students talk with guests about beer from Japan and offered sushi to pair with a variety of beer.

Beer Appreciation students representing Canada paired beer with tiramisu, beef summer sausage and salty blue cheese. The group listed specific beers to go best with each type of food.

Beer Appreciation students representing Canada paired beer with tiramisu, beef summer sausage and salty blue cheese. The group listed specific beers to go best with each type of food.

Every group received shot glasses, Redbull drinks, and 4 Wildcide Gordon Biersch Hard Cider.

Ruben Cardenas, a Justice Studies student, took the Beer Appreciation class because he wanted to gain more knowledge of beer. “I love beer, but I wanted to know the process of making it and how to truly appreciate beer rather than just drinking it,” he said.

Cardenas and his fellow students presented a booth representing the state of Washington. The group featured Olympia, Rainier, Red Hook Pumpkin Porter beer and Seattle Cider that was paired with sliced apples, lemon cakes and pizza. Each guest that visited their booth were given a lesson on the history of each beer and how it is made while being served.

“Coming here and taking what we learned in class and to put it in action is what this project really means to me,” Cardenas said. He learned about how the water source in Washington was proven to be natures best to brew beer with and that Seattle is the main brewing hub in the state.

Associate Dean Pam Richardson, left, and Dean Schutten, middle, poses with Ruben Cardenas who represented the state of Washington.

Associate Dean Pam Richardson, left, and Dean Schutten, middle, pose with Ruben Cardenas who represented the state of Washington.

The event wrapped up the night with a break dance performance by members of the King Library Rockers. Guests surrounded the dance floor as each crew member took turns showing off their dance moves.