Nancy Parkin Griffin

Hometown: Mattituck, NY

Current Location: Amherst, NH

Why did you choose SHA?
I always knew I wanted to work in hospitality. Many summer jobs were spent in the kitchen of a restaurant. When I first started looking at colleges, my dad took me to BU where I met The dean of the school, Harold Lane. He was so passionate and personable, I knew this was the school for me.

What are some of your favorite BU memories?
West campus, Rich Hall. I enjoyed the close knit community of SHA. Taking classes taught by Julia Child and Jacques Pepin. Study abroad in Brussels. Internships to hone my skills.

What was your first full-time job? How did you end up in your current position?
I started working for a company, American Cafe,Washington, DC I met through a job fair at BU SHA. After the fair was over, I stayed in touch with the recruiter and had a job immediately following graduation. After working in restaurants, meeting my husband, owning my own small business and having three children I decided on a career change.

Please describe your current role. How did your SHA education impact your career?
I always enjoyed fitness so after years of industry work I went back to grad school for Exercise Science. I am currently the Director of Operations for the Bond Wellness Center, a medically integrated fitness facility. It is not a long stretch from hospitality, as I continue to work with people every day, providing quality customer service and making their lives better….and my husband owns and operates a restaurant (his second), so I am not really out of the restaurant industry.

Any advice for current and prospective students?
Take advantage of every learning opportunity possible. Go to all lectures, seminars, internships and study abroad. Being exposed to new learning experiences will provide the compass to your future