Every person in the GW Engineering community contributes to the fabric and culture of what makes us great and unique. As an institution of higher education, we often celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. However, without the tireless work of the GW Engineering administrative team, nothing would be possible. From our facilities to our technology to supporting events, the administrative team at GW Engineering keeps our school moving forward. Each month we will highlight one of the members of the admin team in our Local Hero editorial feature. Take the time to meet the people who are at the foundation of our school.
The Development and Alumni Relations Team at GW Engineering engages with alumni to keep them up-to-date on happenings in the school, help them find faculty or access alumni benefits, guide them to recruiting and/or career information, and help them stay or get connected with GW Engineering. Director of Constituent Engagement and Annual Giving, Hollie Schultz, is a key part of this process. Read below to learn more about September’s Local Hero, Hollie Schultz!
Q: How long have you been working at GW, and what is your position?
A: I have been at GW for a little over one year. I support University Advancement as the Director of Constituent Engagement and Annual Giving within GW Engineering.
Q: What led you to this career?
A: I’ve held roles in political organizations, journalism support groups, and healthcare nonprofits, which might at first glance seem eclectic. The throughline in all of my professional experiences, though, has been helping others and providing empowerment through access to information and education. Whether I was creating mentoring programs, developing content for conferences and events, securing grants, or curating resources for industry networks, I knew my work was impactful and making a real difference in the lives of others. This is my passion.
Q: Why did you choose GW?
A: Working at GW has been on my radar since I moved to D.C. in 2012. I love that it’s an urban campus and offers students a truly unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
Q: What is one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at GW?
A: I wish I had known how to navigate GW systems more efficiently, including who to ask for what, which forms need to be filled out for certain project assistance, etc.
Q: What is your favorite part about working at GW Engineering?
A: The people. Everyone I interact with–alumni, faculty, staff, or students–is passionate about what they do, curious, and welcoming. Knowing that I get to work with such supportive, inspiring people makes it easy to get out of bed and come to work each day.
Q: Why would someone want to work at GW Engineering?
A: I may sound like a broken record, but…the people! We’ve got some of the brightest minds and interesting research initiatives going on within GW Engineering. It’s truly an impressive school to be a part of.
Q: What is your biggest work pet peeve?
A: Not having a full candy bowl or snack drawer. The 2 o’clock slump is very real!
Q: What’s your ideal way to spend the weekend?
A: My two-year-old and four-year-old keep me VERY busy on the weekend. Between birthday parties, swim lessons, playground adventures, and playdates, my weekends are jam-packed with fun and excitement. Occasionally, I get the chance to go on a hike or reconnect with friends over brunch to recharge my batteries.
Q: What's one of your favorite memories from the past year?
A: I randomly met Nate Berkus at the Tatte near the Science & Engineering Hall. He was incredibly kind! I’m still trying to figure out a way to convince him to redesign my condo.
Q: Tell us something people don’t know about you.
A: Music was a big part of my life growing up. I was in choir, I played the piano, and I taught myself to play the flute. I was also on the flag team for my high school and college marching bands, which was a really cool experience!
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: I have an amazing 10-year-old pup named Ringo! He’s the absolute sweetest.