The social light of Northern Michigan University, the Special Events Committee (SEC) is a student-run organization that would not be the same without the efforts of Tas Stoetzner. An example of a true Wildcat, his story shows that any student can create an impact on campus.

A high school graduate of 2020, Stoetzner graduated in the heart of COVID-19 and decided to take a gap year. After a year in the workforce, he decided to pursue higher education. In a search for what he felt would give him purpose in a larger world, inspiration struck while watching the show “Parks and Recreation.” He decided he wanted to work towards an outdoor recreation degree, the program that brought him to Northern. 

Regardless of being a transfer student, Stoetzner decided to jump headfirst into campus life. He started his journey by working for the Campus Visits Program (CVP) as a tour guide, quickly creating an impact. This position gave him a sense of belonging and newfound confidence.

“Through that I was able to get into a program called the Student Leader Fellowship program or the SLFP and through that program I was able to find out more positions that were offered at the university, and I started going to the Special Events meetings and that later led to me taking the coordinator position,” Stoetzner said.

As the SEC coordinator, Stoetzner manages the behind-the-scenes operations of large-scale events, including NMU’s Homecoming and related activities. He also strives to bring fresh and exciting experiences to the campus community. One recent addition he introduced was axe throwing at “Plaidurday,” which was a huge success.

“The day of the event is the fun part. I get to participate and have fun and see everyone’s smiles,” Stoetzner said. “It really is the reason I applied, to see people have as much fun as I am at this university and bring things that are not usual to campus.” 

Stoetzner advises incoming freshmen and transfer students to take advantage of events such as Fall Fest and the house-warming party held outside of the dorms at the beginning of each school year. These can be great opportunities to meet other students and become familiar with the organizations and groups on campus. 

Through being involved with CVP, SLFP, NMU Men’s Club Lacrosse and the SEC, Stoetzner feels that he has gained something meaningful.

“It’s a lot of professional development,” he said. “It brings me a sense of pride when I put on a huge event.”

Stoetzner has taken advantage of every opportunity that has come his way at Northern, and as a result he has continued to build himself into the type of person he once looked up to. 

Students can find Stoetzner and the SEC at upcoming events including line dancing on Friday, Nov. 15. Future events can also be found on the Hub.