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Monique Carswell

Monique Carswell

Director, NBCUniversal | Corp. Social Responsibility

We say Illinois, NBCUniversal social responsibility director Monique Carswell says ... Clark Hall

“As the president of the Central Black Student Union, I’d spend many hours at Clark Hall conducting general body meetings in the main lounges or upstairs in the offices holding executive board meetings, copying flyers, stuffing mailboxes and more," she recalls.

"There were lots of long hours put in by me and my fellow student leaders, punctuated by lots of laughter on one end and serious strategic planning on the other. To this day, I run the most efficient meetings and goal-setting exercises as a direct result of my Illinois-bred training.

“My other special place is Assembly Hall. I was a student member of the advisory committee which determined what acts to bring to town. At the time, Assembly Hall was the largest arena in the state outside of Chicago, so our options were top-notch.

"During that time, I got to pour over riders from the most sought-after touring artists, like Madonna, Cher and Janet Jackson. As a student aspiring to work in the media and entertainment industry, I couldn’t have received more hands-on preparation than what was afforded to me as a member of the committee. 

“As an added bonus, I will never forget witnessing Prince perform from the third row. It was quite surreal and to know that I had a hand in bringing him to campus for the entire Champaign-Urbana community to witness is a memory that I’ll forever cherish.”