Traci Gaydos ’02
“My
Lewis Experience was exactly what I needed for that time in my life: highly
connected instructors who met my individual learning style and needs, and a
department full of folks cheering each other on to success on and off the stage,”
explains Gaydos.
After graduating from Lewis and interning at the Kalamazoo
Civic Theatre, Traci applied to the University of Illinois’ MFA program in
Stage Management. After completing her
MFA, she continued in opera and theatre production roles until she landed the
Production Manager and Marketing Director role for the University of Northern
Iowa’s Theatre Department.
Traci stayed in Cedar Rapids for three years before being
selected to serve as the Production Stage Manager at the University of
Wisconsin, Madison in their Department of Theatre and Drama. While at
UW-Madison, she taught Stage Management and oversaw the production of a five-show
season. It was there that campus leadership took notice of Traci and her talents
and offered her the role of Production and Logistics Coordinator for Events in
the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement.
Traci currently serves as the Director of Signature Events
in the School of Medicine and Public Health at UW-Madison. In July, Gaydos
earned her accreditation as a Certified Meetings Professional from the Events
Industry Council.
“I never would have thought that studying theatre and music
would have taken me into a medical setting, planning events and conferences—but
I think the collaboration, listening, and critical thinking skills you learn at
Lewis University will always carry you from one opportunity to the next,”
explains Gaydos.
These days, Traci’s work has her playing a role behind the
scenes, but her foundation in theater has provided her with skills that have
been applicable throughout every career opportunity she has embraced.
Traci is a star in her own right and we are proud that she is a Lewis Flyer who
is creating a better world.
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