When Meg Castro first walked through the doors of Eastern Michigan University’s Student Center in 2007, she wasn't sure she would last. She didn’t have a four-year degree. She didn’t have a background in higher education. However, what Castro did have was a relentless work ethic, a deep commitment to old-fashioned customer service, and a determination that led EMU’s events department for nearly two decades.
"Every day I showed up wanting no one to ever think I didn't put my best foot forward," Castro said. “I was so happy to have that job. I was so proud to work there."
Castro came to EMU after stints at the University of Michigan’s Michigan League and Ave Maria Law School in Ann Arbor, working under Domino’s Pizza founder Tom Monaghan. When Monoghan’s organization began relocating to Florida, Castro spotted an assistant director position with EMU’s events department.
She applied twice before landing the role and admits the journey was humbling.
"I don't have a higher ed degree. I have an associate's," she said. "I was extremely blessed that my work experience outweighed that."
From that starting point, Castro built a career defined by relationships, repeat business and the satisfaction of a well-executed event. Under her leadership, Event Services attracted high-profile clients, including a long-running contract with the Ironworkers union secured in 2010 and, more recently, an agreement with the NTI Electricians group. The University of Michigan became a regular client as well.
"We have groups that have been coming for 10, 15, 20 years," Castro said. "They didn't just come once; they keep coming back."
When asked what she will miss most, Castro pointed right to the people at EMU.
“There’s nothing better than starting from scratch with somebody about what they want to do, and finishing with a happy customer," Castro said.
Castro also expressed warm regards for the team she’s leaving behind, particularly, Kathy Steiner and the rest of the Event Services staff.
“They are young and fresh; they are going to bring a whole bunch of new stuff to the table," she said.
As for what comes next, Castro is keeping things simple: golf, grandkids and time with family. She broke her arm last year and missed much of the summer, so she’s looking forward to making up for lost time.
