Coordinator works diligently to bring Spring Fling to fruition
May 20, 2013
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Carrie Hanson, training manager in Human
Resources and chair of Spring Fling 2013. (Purdue University photo/Mark Simons)
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Carrie Hanson's diligent work and careful eye for detail help make sure Spring Fling is an enjoyable, fun event for Purdue's West Lafayette campus staff.
From the vehicle show to the fitness walk to lunch offerings, Hanson -- along with a dedicated committee of Purdue employees -- makes sure every detail is in place for the annual staff appreciation event, which typically draws about 6,500 employees. Hanson is training manager in Human Resources and chair of Spring Fling 2013.
This year, Spring Fling is set for 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 23 in and around the newly expanded and renovated France A. Córdova Recreational Sports Center.
Moving the event back to its traditional location has involved some difficulties, Hanson says. Last year, the event was held at and around Memorial Mall to accommodate the recreation center's construction.
"In past years, we've held Spring Fling on the recreation center's east side, but the renovation has extended the building into that space, so we'll need to use its west side," Hanson says. "A lot of work has gone into making sure there will be an adequate outdoor space this year for the event."
To bring Spring Fling to fruition, Hanson also prepares and completes its budget, oversees publicity for it, arranges the setup of all needed tables and chairs, secures the prizes awarded in the event's raffle and much more.
This year, Hanson also is working with the Office of University Sustainability to ensure that the proper garbage receptacles will be in place at the gathering, which will be the University's first zero-waste event. That means 10 percent or less of the trash generated at Spring Fling will end up in a landfill.
Also new to Spring Fling this year are tours of the recreation center, which will be offered throughout the event. Additionally, Spring Fling will include some new activities -- such as a Zumba exercise session -- all of which Hanson and the committee have coordinated.
Hanson's Spring Fling duties are in addition to her other job duties. They include being the resource member for the Administrative and Professional Staff Advisory Committee (APSAC) and the Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee (CSSAC). Hanson also coordinates the Council for Manager Development (CMD), the Accomplished Clerical Excellence (ACE) program, Purdue's annual retirement luncheon and three separate years-of-service programs.
She has been chair of Spring Fling since 2005. The event has been around since 1982, when it began as the Clerical and Service Staff Recognition Day. The following year, it blossomed into Spring Fling -- an appreciation event for all University employees.
Hanson attributes much of Spring Fling's success to the hard work of the event's committee members. The committee consists of 16 staff members from diverse University groups such as APSAC, the Conference Division, CSSAC, Housing and Food Services (HFS), the Purdue University Police Department (PUPD), Purdue University Retirees Association (PURA) and the Division of Recreational Sports.
She says putting on Spring Fling every year is a lot of work, but it's always worth it.
"Spring Fling is one of my favorite events to coordinate," Hanson says. "Seeing people enjoy the fruits of our labor -- and knowing that people are having a good time -- is very rewarding. All the time and effort we put into this event is always worth it in the end."
Writer: Amanda Hamon, 49-61325, ahamon@purdue.edu