The IAVM Foundation is proud to announce the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program recipients for the 2016 Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS) school. The awards recognize two deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership, character, community involvement, and the potential to be future leaders in the venue management industry. Kevin Henry is also returning as the Year 2 scholarship recipient.
AVSS Year 1 + 2 Scholarship Recipient
Mike Santa, general manager at Indiana University Event Services
Favorite team? The Green Bay Packers.
Favorite sports or entertainment memory? Before I was a venue manager, I worked for the IU Basketball team. While I have some incredible memories from that experience, my all-time favorite was being part of the 2013 Big Ten Championship!
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I think I would be a lion. I like the idea of being king of the jungle but also having a pack to rely on as well.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Batman for sure. He is the ultimate superhero, yet still just a man. Plus he gets to play with cool gadgets and cars.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? I would love to be the GM of a building someday. My ultimate dream job is to be the tournament director of the Mau Invitational and spend all my time in Hawaii preparing.
Favorite quote? “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” – Vince Lombardi.
Do you currently volunteer with IAVM? What do you enjoy most about it? I am currently on the Young Professionals Committee. It’s been fun working with other YPs on projects to help bring IAVM to a younger generation of venue managers.
Favorite childhood snack? Any kind of candy but Mike & Ike’s are the best!
@Twitter handle? @mwsanta
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-santa-8305226a
AVSS Student Intern
Johnny Roe, Missouri State University – Entertainment Management
Anticipated Graduation? Fall 2016.
Favorite team? Die-hard Kansas City sports fan.
Favorite sports or entertainment memory? The Kansas City Royals winning the 2015 World Series.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A wolf. They know when to lead and when to follow. They have a small circle and know how to survive when they are by themselves.
If you could be any superhero, what would you be and why? Batman. He made himself a hero, didn’t have to have some crazy mutation to be great. (Helped that he had billions of dollars to inherit, though.)
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? General Manager of a Major League Baseball team. There are only 30 of them so the odds are not in my favor, but someone has to be one of 30 so why not me?
Favorite Quote? “Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the ability to act in the presence of fear.” – Bruce Lee.
Favorite childhood snack? Anything my mom cooks! She is the Michael Jordan of the kitchen.
@Twitter handle? @roeboat11 — I know, puns are incredible.
