Inn at Virginia Tech adds campus concierge position to promote access to services
A new campus concierge will help strengthen the relationship between The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center and the university. Molly Zuidema has been promoted to the new position after working as a front desk agent for almost a year.
The inn provides many services for groups affiliated with the university, and the new position acts as a bridge between the inn and the university employees.
Zuidema is the main point of contact for any needs related to the university. Her responsibilities include helping guests get in contact with corresponding representatives of department events, making dining and hotel reservations, providing information about campus activities and events, and answering questions about the inn’s services.
“We saw the need to have one person dedicated to fulfilling the needs of people at the university. I am the liaison between the two and from there I can figure out how to best help,” said Zuidema, a graduate student in industrial and systems engineering.
Whether it be prospective students looking to visit or department heads seeking to host an event, the Virginia Tech community is the inn’s largest constituent, according to Damon Strickland, general manager for the inn.
“This is something new that we wanted to incorporate, to hopefully strengthen our relationship with the university, provide better communication, and provide more streamlined access to our services. We are thrilled to get it kicked off and have it go so well at this point.”
Zuidema was chosen for the position not only because of her first-hand knowledge of the Blacksburg campus and events, but also because of her love of and excitement for the community.
“I've been in Blacksburg as a student for almost six years. I love being a Hokie. I know a lot about the university, which helps me in this role. I know a lot of the more niche things going on because I'm on the campus, I see the posters, I'm around other students, and I hear about the exciting things going on. This role fits me well and I felt comfortable taking it on,” Zuidema said. “I’m really happy to interact with so many Hokies. A lot of the people that I interact with are alumni or people on campus and I'm happy to be of help.”
For inquiries, reservations, or assistance, Zuidema can be reached at ivtcampus@crestlinehotels.com or 540-231-0105.
Written by Caroline Reed, a senior and a student writer for Communications and Marketing
