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• Aquatics
• Club Sports
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• Personal Training
• Adventure Recreation
• Ice Skating
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Staff Interviews

ONE-on-ONE with

Cara Nightlinger

Position: Account Tech. II

Education: Associates Degree – Accounting

What was your first recreational position?
My first recreational position would have to be with the Division of Campus Recreation.

Your first professional position?
I started with the University of Illinois Foundation in Gift Acknowledgement in 1996. After working for the Foundation as an Account Tech. I for two years, I transferred to Campus Recreation as an Account Tech. II.

What are your current job responsibilities?
I am responsible for everything that deals with the income of Campus Recreation including all cash receipts, accounts receivables, student charges and refunds. I maintain our Point of Sales system along with training our student staff on use of the POS system. Physical inventory, telephone inventory, printing financial statements and payroll reports are also included in my responsibilities along with assisting the head accountant with any other financial matters as needed.

What is the best part about working for Campus Rec?
I would have to say the staff. The professional staff and student staff make Campus Recreation a great place to work.

What is the most challenging aspect of working for Campus Rec?
At this point in time, Banner is by far the most challenging aspect of my job. There have been so many changes taking place over the past year or so that deal with the financial aspects of campus. Keeping up with your daily assignments while learning a new system has been a bit of a challenge.

What are the challenges of working closely with student staff?
The diversity among the students can be a little challenging but very rewarding at the same time. They make this job fun!

What is your most memorable moment while working at Campus Rec?
I couldn't pick just one moment over another. There have been so many memorable moments here at Campus Recreation. With the opening of CRCE just around the corner and the renovation of IMPE, I would have to say there are many more to come.

What do you consider to be your best professional accomplishment?
For me it would have to be finishing my Associates Degree in Accounting after many years of life throwing some curves my way. Getting to where I am now has not been an easy road, but the lessons I've learned have been valuable in helping me accomplish this very important goal.

What are your future professional goals?
There is always the possibility of working towards a Bachelor's Degree. I would like to continue working for Campus Recreation until I retire. The students and staff make this an awesome place to work.

What is your personal fitness goal?
I don't have a personal fitness goal lined out. I do know that I want to be able to keep up with the kids, have enough energy for the grandbabies, be able to ride motorcycles, travel and pursue new adventures with my husband for as long as possible.