Marci Craig, Conference & Event Services, administrative assistant

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up on a farm in southwest Saskatchewan just south of Webb. My parents were dryland farmers and we always had a menagerie of animals on the farm. We never knew what animal my dad was bringing home from the auction to add to other pets. Being a small community there were not a lot of options for activities, but I enjoyed taking swimming lessons and figure skating. After graduating from Gull Lake High School, I went to Lethbridge College and received my diploma in Business Administration. From there I moved to a few places in Alberta. First was Vegreville where I worked at a bank and then at the federal government's Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Case Processing Centre. We were then transferred to Fort McMurray where I worked at a bank and both of my kids were born. My next transfer was to Lac La Biche where I worked at Portage College as an Accounts Payable Clerk. My final move with my kids was back to Lethbridge in 2002 to be closer to family and to enjoy a warmer climate. I am a very proud mom of two grown children, my son Rylan and my daughter Lindsey.  

How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I have started my 22nd year at the University of Lethbridge. I was hired in the summer of 2002 to cover for the Security Services Administrative Support while she was on vacation. From there I moved to the Information Technology department as Administrative Support. Next up was the Cash Office as an Accounting Clerk, then to the Facilities department where I worked a few roles. I started as the Administrative Support for the various Facilities departments, including Grounds, Building Maintenance and Caretaking, and supported the project managers on their construction documents. As well, I was the Events Coordinator for the events on campus requiring set-ups and coordination. Then I moved into the role of Administrative Assistant for the Executive Director of Facilities, where I assisted in reporting, projects, and other various tasks. After 10 years in Facilities, I took on the role of Space Booking Project Coordinator for Ancillary Services.  An opportunity then came up to work in Conference & Event Services as Administrative Assistant, where I am currently. During COVID I also assisted in the Records Management Office, Off-Campus Housing Coordinator, and worked on the Space Booking Project. 

In my current role, I plan, coordinate and manage weddings, special events and conferences, and meetings, as well as I am the Lux Hotel Office Manager during the summer. The Lux Hotel is in Mount Blakiston House from mid-May to mid-August and we offer weekly and monthly stays. Our department of two staff coordinates several large conferences every year that are held at the University of Lethbridge.

Last year we had six weddings/receptions in the Science Commons Atrium and Patio as well as one wedding ceremony in Aperture Park. I provide tours for brides and grooms of the Science Commons space and then coordinate the details for their event.

Variety is good and I have enjoyed the ability to work in many departments and learn how we all work together to support the University, students and external clients.  

What's the best part of your job?
The best part is the people I work with and the great working relationships I have made with staff in other departments, as well as all the clients who I assist with their events.  

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to bake, walk, hike, watch movies and MMA, and be outside as much as possible.