Guiding our Greyhounds

Mike Rodier, Director of Campus Recreation and Advisor to Commuters

Feel free to reach out to Mike with any questions about campus recreation or commuting. He looks forward to working with you! mrodier@assumption.edu

How long have you been a part of the Assumption community? What keeps you here? I’ve been making the trek to campus for over 22 years now! I enrolled as a first-year commuter student in late August 2002—and I’ve never really left. What keeps me here is the type of student Assumption attracts and the type of student affairs professionals who are drawn to work with them. Both groups are deeply caring and empathetic. People here don’t just focus on the task at hand—they take the time to genuinely care about each other as individuals, about their families, and about their passions. As I’ve grown from a recent graduate to a parent with two kids, my own family has grown up within this community—and I wouldn’t trade the experiences they continue to have with the Assumption student body for anything. It’s a special place, and I’m grateful to still be a part of it.

What is your favorite spot on campus? Hands-down, the Plourde! While students gather in many areas across campus, the Plourde is a place where everyone can truly be themselves. It’s a welcoming space where students support each other while working toward their personal and fitness goals—and sometimes just come to unwind and connect with others. Plus, let’s be honest—I kind of have to say the Plourde since I work there! If I picked another location, I might get a strongly worded email from my student staff… or find my office mysteriously locked. But all jokes aside, it really is a special place. What makes it even more meaningful is how it opens its doors to the greater community. From Learn to Swim programs (which my own kids participate in!) to hosting Special Olympics events, the Plourde truly embodies the spirit of inclusion and support that defines Assumption.



What advice would you give to parents as we wrap up this academic year? Provide a safe, open space for your student to talk about their college journey—whether it’s about academics, social experiences, or personal growth. College is a time of significant change. Many students (myself included, back in the day) will shift their academic and career interests as they figure out who they are and where they want to go. As parents, our role is to support them through that evolution. If your student is feeling unsure about their direction, ask them to reflect on two questions: “How do I envision the way I want to live my life?” and “What’s important to me in my future home and time outside of work?” Once they have clarity on their personal values and goals, it becomes much easier to explore a professional path that aligns with the life they want to lead.