The Final Exam is your chance to get advice and insights from experts in the industry. For the July/August 2021 issue, Campus Rec spoke with Germaine McAuley, the director of Campus Wellness at Spelman College.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
Germaine McAuley: I started by working my first job at a city park. I oversaw the day-to-day operations of the department that included seven sports. As time went on, I started a career in Athletics and coached. Then I became an Athletic administrator. Spelman then moved from Athletics to Wellness, and this is how I am involved in recreation.
2. How would you go about describing campus recreation at Spelman College?
GM: The recreation program affords our students time to engage in their areas/activities of interest. I would describe us as a unique program. Since we do not offer an intramural program, we implemented programming for those who desire to participate in competition. This is considered part of the recreation for our students.
3. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career?
GM: Challenges are part of our lives and we are going to have to learn to meet them head on. I have had several small ones, but to identify my biggest challenge would be very difficult. Some small ones have dealt with all facets of my life, from career to family to personal.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
GM: To be able to provide my experiences and expertise in all aspects of my life and see them flourish and grow. This includes assisting young people with reaching their goals and aspirations.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
GM: To be a lifelong learner. It provides you knowledge and keeps you prepared at all levels. We should never get in a comfort zone with ourselves; one should want to grasp all they can in and out of their field of expertise.
6. What is one fun fact about yourself others may not know?
GM: I have several hobbies, but my favorite is singing. It has allowed me to perform at several special events and for special people, like singing the National Anthem at NCAA events. I was once the opening act for Gospel singer Yolanda Adams and jazz group Roy Ayers. That was a great experience.
I was an assistant baseball coach at Winthrop University and Germaine was the women’s basketball coach at winthrop. We had an athletic function that was attended by athletes and their families. Germaine sang Whitney Houston’s I will always love you and it was the best rendition that I have ever heard besides Whitney Houston herself. Germaine is an outstanding talent with a blessed voice. I would love to hear her sing again.