Our December 2024 NUSAC Member Spotlight is Eric Budzynski, Associate Director of Spiritual Wellness & Contemplative Practice
Name: Eric Budzynski
Title: Associate Director of Spiritual Wellness & Contemplative Practice
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-budzynski-518a54132/
Unit and School/College: Center for Awareness Response & Education/Health Promotion and Wellness & Religious and Spiritual Life | Student Affairs
Year Started at Northwestern University: 2010
Year Joined the NUSAC Council: 2022
Why did you join NUSAC? As a seasoned Northwestern staff member, I joined NUSAC to create actionable change to better the staff experience here. I wanted to ensure that student-facing staff, who have particular needs and are often bound by the demands of the academic calendar, would have substantial voices in these conversations.
What is the most important thing your NU staff colleagues should know about NUSAC? I am delighted by the range of roles and diversity of staff represented in NUSAC. I am most impressed with the average length of service to the institution from members! Go Cats!
What issue are you most passionate about related to improving the NU experience for staff? I am passionate about improving and exceeding the expectations of our benefits from Northwestern. It is critical to keep these standards above our peer institutions to ensure that we are attracting the brightest and best to these hallowed halls!
What do you most enjoy about your work at Northwestern? I truly enjoy the privilege of being an alum and returning to work at Northwestern in a student-facing capacity. The mutuality, enrichment, and delight in engaging with students continue to be transformational and impactful in my professional and personal life. Also, I have had many opportunities for rich professional development over my time here and am very proud that my original position and portfolio barely resemble its original design.
What is a little-known fun fact about you? A little-known fun fact about me is that I worked in Religious & Spiritual Life as a student 24 years ago and have been on 52 days of silent meditation retreats.