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KAREN GRANNEMANN 2019 Athena Leadership Award Recipient

University Club leadership team (l-r):
John Fischette, (Chief Engineer);
Angela Berry, (Member Engagement
Manager); Tricia Clark, (Wellness &
Recreation Director); Sara Majeske,
(Membership Director); Diana Hasse,
(Controller); Karen Grannemann,
(CEO & General Manager); Phyllis
Riley, (Catering Director); John
Findley, (Executive Chef);Brandi
Kirchhoff, (Food & Beverage Services
Director); Debbie Barosko, (Human
Resources Director).

As CEO of the
University Club, Karen
proudly heads a team
of over 200 dedicated
employees. The staff
includes a leadership
team of nine talented
professionals, which
is comprised of seven
women and two men
who direct the club’s
departments: culinary,
foodservice, catering, membership, fitness & spa, communications, accounting, that is how you grow. The things that look big when they are in front of you
human resources and facilities. She is extremely grateful for the dedication they become small in the rearview mirror.”
bring to jobs that require working evenings, weekends and most holidays to
serve the U-Club’s 1,400 member families. Six team members have an average Grannemann also encourages leaders to find someone who believes in you, even
tenure of 22 years and the newer hires demonstrate that same commitment. when you doubt yourself, and to assemble a quality team of people to make the
Grannemann credits her staff’s professionalism for the University Club’s journey with you.
excellent reputation.
“Almost everything I’ve done in my life has been a first,” said Grannemann.
“As a member of the University Club, I’ve witnessed Karen’s incredible leadership “I’d never merged two clubs before. I’d never built a fitness center, opened a
skills in leading a service organization to deliver exemplary services to our restaurant, or built a pool. But, those notches in your belt build confidence,
members and the greater Lansing community,” said Rocco Rucinski, PNC enhance your courage, and provide a step-up to the next big challenge. So,
Bank. “Her dedication in leading her team to exceed the expectations of the jump in and do it.”
University Club’s members every day is truly remarkable.”
Karen resides in Okemos with her husband of 45 years, Norman, a hydrogeologist
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE who has spent much of his career on work related to the Great Lakes. They are
proud parents of two adult daughters, who continue their mother’s leadership
Several organizations have honored Karen for her creativity, initiative, and skills and dedication to community service. Sarah is vice president of Baltimore
leadership skills. She was presented with the Susan B. Anthony Award Corps, a nonprofit that enlists talent to accelerate social innovation in Baltimore
for Leadership in Women by the Educational Institute of the American and advance a citywide agenda for equity and racial justice. Laura is vice president
Hotel & Lodging Association. She was also honored with the Virginia of strategic investments for Quicken Loans, heading the Community Investment
Hilbert Award by Women Working Wonders and given the Woman of Fund and launching programs that address Detroit’s most pressing challenges,
Achievement Award by Zonta Club of East Lansing Area. She has also including foreclosure prevention, blight reduction, education and placemaking. n
earned the Certified Club Manager (CCM) certification through the Club
Management Association of America.
ATHENA AWARD LUNCHEON
“To be nominated by so many people and receive peer recognition is validation
that I’ve done a few things right, left a mark on others, and made life a little
bit better,” said Grannemann. “I’ve had several friends receive treatment at JOIN US IN HONORING THE 2019 ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center. The fact that they could receive world- KAREN GRANNEMANN, CCM, CEO & GENERAL MANAGER
class care right here in Lansing at a place that I and many others helped make
possible has been extremely meaningful.” UNIVERSITY CLUB OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Tuesday, March 24
Early in her career, someone told Karen, ‘the more you do of what you’ve done, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center
the more you have of what you’ve got.’ She shares that philosophy with other 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
emerging leaders.
Registration: Ashlee Wills | (517) 242-7434
“If you want to move ahead, dare to have the courage to undertake challenges michiganpremiereevents@lansingchamber.org
that are bigger than anything you’ve faced before,” said Grannemann, “because

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