We hope you enjoy this series where we meet and get to know employees from across campus. Would you like to be featured? Contact us at campusnews@csufresno.edu.

Name: Amanda Banks
Title: Smittcamp Alumni House Coordinator
Department: Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
Academic Degrees: B.A. in Mass Communications and Journalism, public relations from Fresno State

How long you have worked at Fresno State: Eight years

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? I am most passionate about connecting with people and seeing their joy when attending an event. Facility management and event planning allow me to meet so many diverse people and connect with them daily. I love collaborating with people to plan successful events. In the event world, every day is a different day.

What is a memorable moment you have had in your career? The most memorable moments I have had in my career was hosting Andrea Bocelli and Carrie Underwood at the Saroyan Theatre and the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Selland Arena. To be able to book those artists in Fresno was the chance of a lifetime!

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? I love anything outdoors ... camping, off-roading, boating. I prefer mountains, lakes or rivers any day over an amusement park!

Amanda with her daughter and husband off-roading in the snow.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? I was raised in a very small town on a ranch with horses, goats, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats and even pet ducks! The town had more horses than people when I lived there.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked? I love to cook. I got that gene from my dad who was a very passionate cook. I can’t bake whatsoever but can definitely whip up a good meal.

Amanda with her daughter and husband making sausage.