Sara Schumann

Sara Schumann

Who doesn't love to be treated well? Who doesn't feel great after a positive encounter? I love great customer experiences. I live for spontaneous laughter and unexpected kindness. I've been in customer service since my first job as a receptionist at 14 years old. I've waitressed, been a barista, worked in hospitality (wedding coordinator to sales manager, to public relations). I've worked in retail, taught yoga, run my own business. For the past six years, I've been working in Alumni Relations and overseeing our help desk, benefits, alumni travel program, and working with our alumni council.

Daily check in

Managing seven part-time help desk employees is tough. The key to success is communication and keeping them, our team, updated on what’s happening. When I worked in retail, the staff was all part time, with the exception of the managers.…

Packing Peanuts

The other day I received a package. It was sent in the mail. It was big and contained ten glass bowls. I order the same item every year to present to our volunteers who are rotating off our board. I…

Pulling Teeth

Today I went to the dentist. The last time I was there she told me we were going to watch the cavities. I only have one filling and remember how excruciating it was when I got it. I’ve been anxious…

Humility

Yesterday United Airlines wrote a letter of apology for the way that they treated a customer  (full report) when they had him forcibly removed from his seat due to an overbooked flight. The full text of the message can be found…

What about the individual?

Alumni Relations supports the development process of the institution by offering different ways in which for alumni to connect with each other and the institution. In the “Fundraising Fundamentals, Section 1.2” CASE lists seven ways in which alumni relations plays…