Meet Adam Reider: the guy in charge of fun

Rudy MoleyStudent Life

Meet Adam Reider, one of the college’s Student Life animators. He may describe himself as “just a guy who likes to make people laugh and share stories and ideas with others” but we know that he’s really the go-to person for everything that has to do with having fun outside the classroom. The award-winning film director, former magazine writer and one-time stand-up comic explains why his work feels like playtime.

What are your hobbies?

I like playing music with my band or on my own, writing stories and being creative.  I also like checking out bizarre roadside attractions, kitschy old amusement parks and some urban exploration, all with my trusty camera. I’d travel more if I could.

What’s your typical day like?

There’s no real typical day for me but I guess in general I come in to my office at 10:30, pick some music to listen to on my record player and then dive right into the days tasks.  I do a lot of coordination for ROSI which means meeting students and talking about getting them into the ROSI program and that their goals are on target. I also get to meet with students for various other things like getting club activities off the ground, planning for future events or trips, finding volunteer placements out in the community and just seeing how their evening was. Meeting with students is one of the best parts of the job! I also get to plan and work on some really fun stuff in my department.  There’s a lot of laughing and smiling that goes on in Student Services.  At some point I eat lunch…although I never know when I’ll have time for that and it usually happens while I’m working on something at my desk.  By 5:00 things have slowed down a bit so I take that time to do some paper work or return emails and such.  Then before I know it, it’s 6:30 and I’m on my way out the door… well sometimes I stay much later to help out for a special event which is always a good time too!

Why do you work at Marianopolis?

The College is a place that just seems to fit in with my personality and values. The students are really involved in student life and have wonderfully colorful personalities. Meeting new people and learning more about each other is something makes my job so much fun. Also there is a lot of playtime in my job. Marianopolis lets me be creative and play with new ideas and have fun throughout the day. I feel pretty lucky.

What do your tattoos mean?

I got each tattoo for a different reason. Some are there because they have a deep meaning to me about my life and the choices I’ve made or will make.  Others are there just because I really like the look of them. I even have one just because it’s funny. But whatever the reason is, every tattoo has a story to tell. When I share the story of a tattoo it inevitably sparks up a conversation where people share their stories with me which, to me, is one of the best parts of having tattoos. There will be many more on the way too so I’m excited to hear and see what reaction those new tattoos will bring.