Most people remember their first mentor in their professional career. They were there for them when they were taking their first baby steps into a new life journey with needed guidance, support, confidence and an attentive ear. Joe Protsman was that for me.
Ten years ago today, heaven received one of the best human beings, leaders, and mentors I know. I will never forget what he taught me.
Although I have many memories of Joe, there a two that I wanted to share. In fact, they bookend my working relationship with him.
Ten years ago today, heaven received one of the best human beings, leaders, and mentors I know. I will never forget what he taught me.
Although I have many memories of Joe, there a two that I wanted to share. In fact, they bookend my working relationship with him.
After receiving my undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University (WIU) in Macomb, I immediately pursued a Masters Degree in Sport Management. I wanted to work in sports; therefore, why not gain experience in the WIU Athletics office in their graduate assistantship program?
I was nervous walking into Joe's office for my initial interview. For those that know Joe, he had an intimidating appearance, especially given his background as a former All-American wrestler and coach for the Leathernecks. As a Senior Associate Athletics Director, overseeing the department's fiscal duties and game operations, Joe needed help and I wanted to be that guy.
After being selected as a grad assistant, Joe told me that he knew when reviewing my resume that he wanted to extend the offer to me. I didn't have a lot of experience, only one other internship so what was it? He said that when he read that I was from "Kahoka, MO", he knew that I would be a hard worker. Having grown up across the river in Keokuk, IA, Joe knew many people from Kahoka and they all had a strong work ethic. As a result, he knew that I would give equal effort.
This gesture has always stood with me, I knew from that point on, that I must give 100% because of the expectations that he placed on me. He also knew that this would be a great opportunity for someone who grew up in a town of 2,100. I will never forget that.
Additionally, Joe and I would talk a lot when I would be assisting him during his fiscal responsibilities of expense recording. He would read me the team expense and which account it should be assigned to and I would record it into the accounting program on the computer. I looked forward to these days because we would talk about life, classes, last night's game, our families, work, etc.
I was nervous walking into Joe's office for my initial interview. For those that know Joe, he had an intimidating appearance, especially given his background as a former All-American wrestler and coach for the Leathernecks. As a Senior Associate Athletics Director, overseeing the department's fiscal duties and game operations, Joe needed help and I wanted to be that guy.
After being selected as a grad assistant, Joe told me that he knew when reviewing my resume that he wanted to extend the offer to me. I didn't have a lot of experience, only one other internship so what was it? He said that when he read that I was from "Kahoka, MO", he knew that I would be a hard worker. Having grown up across the river in Keokuk, IA, Joe knew many people from Kahoka and they all had a strong work ethic. As a result, he knew that I would give equal effort.
This gesture has always stood with me, I knew from that point on, that I must give 100% because of the expectations that he placed on me. He also knew that this would be a great opportunity for someone who grew up in a town of 2,100. I will never forget that.
Additionally, Joe and I would talk a lot when I would be assisting him during his fiscal responsibilities of expense recording. He would read me the team expense and which account it should be assigned to and I would record it into the accounting program on the computer. I looked forward to these days because we would talk about life, classes, last night's game, our families, work, etc.
I once mentioned that I was the only member of my immediate family that never earned a honor's stole (cord) to wear around my neck when graduating high school. My father, mother, older brother, and twin brother had all placed within the top percent of their class. They all earned honor cords and wore them proudly during graduation. He reminded me to remember that I was working towards a post graduate degree and I should be proud.Months after that particular conversation, I walked across the stage, having earned a Graduate Degree from WIU. The following week, I celebrated my last day as a grad assistant in the WIU Athletics office.
I came into work that day, knowing that I would be leaving behind some of the best people I have met and who had developed me into someone that I may not have been 10 months earlier. As I entered the office, there was a graduation gift on the table for me. I opened it and lifted out a purple Adidas WIU windbreaker (which I still have today). As I began to fold it and put in back in the box, I noticed another gift that was underneath the jacket. It was the purple and gold stole that I wore over my Masters Degree gown during graduation.
Joe, remembering our conversation months prior and knowing that I had to turn mine in after the graduation ceremony, had went to the grad office and got a stole for me so I too would have a stole/cord of my own, just like my other family members. He knew it would mean a lot to me. I remember looking at him and with a slanted smile, he gave me a proud nod.
I was in awe. Who thinks of stuff like that? The special ones do.
As I go through my career, this is one of those mentoring moments that I remember most. Remember those types of conversations, even when little. Always have your bags packed to celebrate with others.
Ten years ago, I lost someone that meant a lot to me but his teachings live on through many. As I look at his picture after all these years, I can't help but give him the same nod of pride. Thanks, Joe.
Joe, remembering our conversation months prior and knowing that I had to turn mine in after the graduation ceremony, had went to the grad office and got a stole for me so I too would have a stole/cord of my own, just like my other family members. He knew it would mean a lot to me. I remember looking at him and with a slanted smile, he gave me a proud nod.
I was in awe. Who thinks of stuff like that? The special ones do.
As I go through my career, this is one of those mentoring moments that I remember most. Remember those types of conversations, even when little. Always have your bags packed to celebrate with others.
Ten years ago, I lost someone that meant a lot to me but his teachings live on through many. As I look at his picture after all these years, I can't help but give him the same nod of pride. Thanks, Joe.
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| Joe Protsman, 1951-2006 |
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