Career Development and Connections Officially Renamed the Winkler Center

Maven McGregory

Senior Reporter

Trevecca students can now search for internships, build resumes, and connect with mentors  all in one place and with trusted advisors at the university’s newly opened Winkler Center .

On Aug. 27, the Career and Development Center officially became the Winkler Center, now located on the main floor of Waggoner Library. 

The Winkler Center was developed as part of Trevecca’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), a five-year initiative focused on strengthening career counseling, services and leadership development. 

“The QEP was a couple of years ago. It is a five-year plan to enhance the quality of the experience at Trevecca, and it was chosen to focus on career counseling, career services, and career development. As well as NACE competences, national association of colleges and employers. We were focusing on leadership. As a part of that QEP, we expanded the office from being one staff person to two, and there’s expectation to continue to grow that,” said John Radzimanowski, career coach and employer relations specialist 

The Winkler Center’s new location is designed to be more visible and accessible to students. The  office was previously in the Hardy Alumni Building, where many students were unaware of its location. 

“When we were deciding, we didn’t know for sure this would be the place, but when we did, we decided that the campus’s goal is to move career services to make it more visible to students,” said Becky Farley. 

The rooms originally in the space now occupied by the Winkler Center are recreated upstairs to maintain student study areas. 

“This worked out really well. The study rooms are now upstairs, so we didn’t want to take away that resource for students,” said Farley 

The Winkler Center guides students through exploration, preparation, networking, and acceleration by helping them use Handshake to find internships, build resumes, practice interviews, and connect with mentors. Students are now able to walk into the Winkler Center or schedule a time in advance through Handshake to receive these career development resources.

“Now that we’re over here, we have the honor to accept walk ins because students are coming in regularly, after chapel, and between classes,” said Radzimanowski 

The larger space provides improved opportunities for one-on-one coaching. 

“We have accessibility. In my old office, I loved it, but I couldn’t host more than one person at a time. Now, we have more workspace to help students, and I have a monitor to show resumes. The improved size, space, and experience enhance the coaching,” said Radzimanowski 

“This is a great place. There are commuters often in the library. The coffee shop and mailroom are here,” said Farley 

The Winkler Center is named after Paul Winkler, a Trevecca alumnus and president and founder of investment advisory firm, Paul Winkler Inc. His donation made the center possible. 

The Winkler Center will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony the week of homecoming, Nov. 7. The event will serve as an official grand opening and dedication to Paul Winkler, the center’s namesake and donor.