February 2008

Spotlight on Staff: Robert Snyder

By Jill Lindstrom

Robert Snyder has deep roots at GW. He received a bachelor’s degree from GW in 1995, his sister was in the class of ’97, and his parents were founding members of the GW Parents’ Association Advisory Council. Snyder says the University has shaped a big part of who he is. The friendships he formed as a freshman in Thurston Hall are lifelong, says Snyder, who was the best man in the wedding of one of those friends.

A native of Philadelphia, Snyder came to GW in a professional capacity in January 2004 from the University of Delaware, where he worked in several positions for nearly nine years and earned two graduate degrees. At GW, he serves as director of Mount Vernon Campus Life and Marketing and special assistant to the dean of freshmen, Frederic Siegel, a longtime mentor and colleague. Snyder is responsible for student activities, event services, The Vern Express, and outreach and marketing, and assists with community and alumnae relations at GW’s Mount Vernon Campus. He also serves as the chief of staff to the dean of freshmen, especially for purposes of the dean’s outreach efforts to the freshman class.

Q: Who’s your favorite author?
A: I don’t have a favorite author; I like to read biographies and autobiographies, and I often read three or four books at a time. I’m currently reading Alan Greenspan’s political memoir The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World. I’ve also read several of former chairman and CEO of General Electric Jack Welch’s books. Additionally, I enjoy reading short stories and humor, like David Sedaris.

Q: Which special talent do you wish you had?
A: I wish I could play an instrument, perhaps the piano or cello. I didn’t have the opportunity to learn as a child. And I was busy with school before, but now I have more free time and have thought about taking it up.

Q: If you didn’t work at GW, what would you do?
A: I think I would be a flight attendant. I love to travel, and I like interacting with and providing service to people. Or, perhaps, I’d be a lawyer in the higher education field.

Q: Which U.S. presidential candidate would you like to have lunch with?
A: Rudy Giuliani. The leadership he provided the city of New York in the aftermath of 9/11 was imperial. I enjoy studying leaders, and I was impressed by Giuliani; the reassurance he gave the people of New York took a lot of strength.

Q: Describe your perfect Valentine’s Day.
A: A good meal, good company, and good conversation. When I go out to eat I always like to try new restaurants. I try not to go back to the same place too often.

Q: Which superpower would you like to have?
A: To be able to see into the future. I’d like to see what’s ahead so that I could understand the opportunities that are ahead and be prepared to take advantage of them. So often we talk about “missed opportunities” and having this superpower would ensure that I don’t miss anything that’s out there!

Q: If you won $5 million, what would you do?
A: I would probably donate a good part to GW and other higher education institutions. GW means a lot to my family and me, and we go by the notion that it is better to give than to receive. I would also ensure that my future was secured. Perhaps I would buy a beach house on one of the Delaware beaches or in Hilton Head, S.C.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu