Alumni Rising: New director Moody is fired up for UW-Green Bay
Her energy is infectious. Her goals ambitious. Meet new Director of Alumni Relations, Kari (Heier) Moody, ’00. Moody (playing it up for the camera at The Phoenix Bookstore) began duties as the University’s main point person for alumni relations and alumni activities in August. The UW-Green Bay Communication major is an incredibly proud grad with high hopes for what we can do as a UW-Green Bay community.
The official release (click here) provides Moody’s bio, but read the Q and A to find out how she plans to sing her way into your hearts.
How would those who know you best describe you?
Outgoing, friendly, positive and enthusiastic. Unintentionally funny … I am known for always screwing up jokes when I try to tell them. But I have to say, we all end up laughing anyway.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a Broadway singer and initially went to UW-Whitewater for music. I wised up after my sophomore year and transferred to UW-Green Bay. I still sing in the usual places: car, shower and karaoke, but I’ve also been invited to sing the National Anthem for for many local sports organizations including the Timber Rattlers, the Gamblers, the Bullfrogs and our own Phoenix men’s and women’s basketball teams. Go Phoenix!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Professor Phil Clampitt. I learned so much from him that I actually use every day in my career. The best compliment I’ve ever received was from a fellow alum after sitting through a recent presentation I gave. He said it was very “Clampitt-esque.”
Tell us about your family.
My husband, Pete, and I have been married for nine years. We reside in Oconto and have three beautiful daughters, Sophia (age 6), Elaina (age 5) and Brynna (age 2).
What are you passionate about?
I want to be remembered as a world changer. I am passionate about volunteering like my husband is passionate about hunting. I believe we were put on this earth to help each other and I look for ways to give back every day. Being the director of Alumni Relations is an amazing way to give back to my alma mater and I get to do it as my job. What an awesome opportunity!
What do you like to do when you’re not on the clock?
I am attempting to run but will only hit the streets in the cover of darkness because I have no form and don’t want to been seen wheezing on the side of the road. But it’s getting less embarrassing with time and I somehow enjoy it. I hope to continue my love for singing. I mostly LOVE to spend time with my family. Having children allows you to be a kid again and I really like to play. Oh and I bowl … I know this may not be the trendiest sport and I’m not much good at it but it’s so fun and I bowl with fellow alum, Amy (Skaggs) Peterson ’00. Good times!
What’s your favorite part of your new job?
I really enjoy interacting with UWGB alumni, be it at a reception, in person, or over the phone. A lot of time and energy will be put into planning and coordinating ways to connect our alumni to their alma mater. I love planning events and networking so this position fits me perfectly.
Also, I’m impressed by how many alumni we have … 30,000 plus. My boss, Jeanne (Barta) Stangel ’87, likes to say, “We’re taking over the world!” and I love that concept. What an incredible world we would have if this were truly the case!
