BVU Alumna in Residence Steps Up Her Game
Jana (Timmerman) Morrissey, a 2017 graduate, served as an “Alum in Residence” on campus. She spent time speaking to students in the Office of Career and Leadership Development and helped the dance team with routines she had choreographed.
During a visit to Buena Vista University in mid-November, Jana (Timmerman) Morrissey literally steps up her game.
“Turn here, then lift, step through and lift again,” Morrissey says during one of two workouts with the BVU dance team, a unit she served as co-captain for two years as an undergraduate.
“The team is competing at the state competition in early December,” says Morrissey, a 2017 BVU graduate. “I had two days of vacation, so I came back to campus to spend some time seeing students and working out with the team, which is performing pom and jazz routines I choreographed.”
“Buena Vista University is great when it comes to allowing self-discovery. Attending BVU allowed me, through all kinds of opportunities, to find out who I am.”
Jana (Timmerman) Morrissey
Morrissey’s presence at practice aids Tori Stille, BVU dance coach and fellow 2016 BVU graduate. She welcomes the assistance as crunch time approaches.
“Having someone of Jana’s passion and dedication work with the team, as well as myself, motivates us to keep pushing, especially during the last few weeks before state competition,” Stille says. “Jana’s experience in choreography and technique is helping us get to the next level, the level we’re seeking in order to remain competitive while growing as a program.”
The practice session at Siebens Fieldhouse isn’t the only expertise Morrissey shares during her two-day stay. The business major who had concentrations in marketing and entrepreneurship settles in as an “Alum in Residence” at BVU’s Office of Career and Leadership Development and takes time to address an interviewing class, offering tips on confidence, presentation, and the willingness to accept challenges from employers.
“You might feel and look nervous when you’re interviewing,” she says, “what’s important is to let any nervous energy work for you by allowing your passion to show through.”
“Jana’s presentation was fantastic, because the interviewing course focuses on both roles, that of interviewer and interviewee,” says Mary Donato, assistant professor of communication studies.
Morrissey has recently been on both sides of the process. After being hired by Meredith Agrimedia in Des Moines in February 2019, she’s ascended to a position as customer experience manager. She’s now participating in the hiring process for her replacement.
Morrissey says her work in and out of the classroom proved to be beneficial in the first steps of her career.
“Take a leap of faith and apply for the job for which you might not think you’re qualified,” she says to BVU students. “If you’re scared about needing two to four years of experience, examine your resume and look for all the things you did, all the groups you served at BVU. I know of seniors here (at BVU) right now that have worked with teams or organizations on campus, leading them and organizing their efforts. Experience like that counts!”
Morrissey served as a Minnesota Vikings Game Day Intern. She also completed internships with the Iowa Sports Foundation in Ames and Storm Lake United. She also helped lead the dance team, a team she continues to serve, even on a brief fall vacation at the alma mater.
“Buena Vista University is great when it comes to allowing self-discovery,” she says shortly before stepping up her game at Siebens Fieldhouse. “Attending BVU allowed me, through all kinds of opportunities, to find out who I am.”
