We are excited to feature Kierstin Dimmick, Event Operations Manager at Student Union & Event Services (SUES), as honorable mention for the Junior Administrative Faculty of the Year Award. With his dedication and expertise, Kierstin plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of events and enhancing the overall experience for our campus community. Let's dive into his journey and learn more about his perspectives and passions.
Originally from the Midwest, Kierstin found his home in Las Vegas after earning his Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from UNLV in 2016. His journey with UNLV began even before graduating when he joined SUES in 2015, starting with various student positions, including being a conference housing team member and an AV technician. Following his graduation, Kierstin embraced a full-time position within the department and has been an invaluable asset ever since.
Throughout his time at UNLV, Kierstin has had the opportunity to work on numerous high-profile events, including the 2016 Presidential Debate, Premier UNLV, Rebel Homecoming, UNLV Festival of Communities, and various political forums. He finds immense joy in assisting students and groups in bringing their events to life, ensuring their visions become reality.
When asked about what being a UNLV Rebel means to him, Kierstin emphasizes the spirit of fearlessness and exploration. He believes that being a Rebel is about taking risks and embracing new ideas. Some of the most successful events he has been a part of stemmed from ideas that weren't initially guaranteed to work but turned into remarkable achievements.
Kierstin's dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. He was recently recognized as the honorable mention for the Junior Administrative Faculty of the Year award, an achievement he humbly cherishes. When asked about the significance of this recognition, he expresses gratitude for the acknowledgment and appreciates the support he receives from his colleagues. Kierstin believes that his achievements would not be possible without the collaborative efforts of his team.
Outside of his professional life, Kierstin carries a passion for photography. Not many may know this, but he has a background as a former press photographer. Before moving to Las Vegas, Kierstin captured sports and major event photos for local newspapers and television stations. It's fascinating to see how his love for visual storytelling has influenced his attention to detail and creativity in his current role.
In his leisure time, Kierstin enjoys traveling and indulging in culinary adventures. He has an appetite for trying new food and immersing himself in different cultures through their cuisine. Additionally, he has recently rediscovered his love for golf and has been spending time on the golf course, enjoying the outdoors and improving his swing.
Living in Las Vegas has been a transformative experience for Kierstin. Coming from a small town, he appreciates the diverse range of food and entertainment options that the city offers. There's always something new and exciting happening in Vegas, and Kierstin embraces the vibrant energy that surrounds him. He also admits that the absence of snow, for the most part, is an added bonus!
Finally, Kierstin sheds light on the biggest misconception about his job. While some may think it's simply about setting up tables, chairs, and projectors, Kierstin clarifies that there is much more involved. Pre-planning, extensive coordination with event coordinators, collaborating with external rental companies, ensuring accessibility and risk management requirements are met—these are just a few aspects that go into creating successful event setups. Moreover, the work doesn't end when the event concludes; there's always the teardown and preparation for the next event on the horizon.
Kierstin’s dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional event experiences are truly commendable. We appreciate all the hard work he puts into making our campus events come to life.