When Jonathan Cowen came to Fresno State from Napa, California, he wasn’t sure where the world would take him. Now an event manager for the Staples Center, a well-known sports and entertainment venue, Jonathan credits the education he received at Fresno State for getting him there.

He stays in contact with his program advisor, Dr. Michael Mahoney (Recreation Administration). Once a year, Dr. Mahoney brings his class to the Staples Center, where Jonathan guides them on a personally-led tour around the center. For students in the field, Jonathan advises them to keep pursuing the profession, saying their efforts are bound to pay off.

Jonathan says facing new challenges that arise on the job is the most rewarding part about working as an event manager. Every day for him is a chance to experience something new.

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