The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 8/6/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Katie Stevens Marlon Blake, a junior health and exercise science major, is committed to staying involved around CSU. He says his commitment comes from his drive to help others and improve his own situation.

Marlon Blake didn't choose to attend CSU because of the university's standing as a leading research institution, its respected faculty or its proximity to the mountain paradise that surrounds the Fort Collins area.

He chose CSU because his finger landed on its name when he opened up a college directory to a random page and pointed to a random line. He still remembers the page it appeared on -- 261.

"I've always been known to do things a little bit different," Blake said of the unusual process.

In the two years he has been here, the forceful but humble junior health and exercise science major has made his presence known around campus and continues to involve himself in order to help people and better his own situation.

Kerry Wenzler, an assistant director of the Center for Advising and Student Achievement for Orientation and Transition Programs, got to know Blake during the past two years through his position as an Orientation Leader.

"He's very charismatic and he has a magnetic personality," Wenzler said, "People know him across campus."

When Blake takes prospective students' families on tours around campus, Wenzler said he makes a lasting impression.

"He has a way with the parents and family," she said, "He has them laughing the whole time. They remember him."

Blake makes that impression on fellow orientation staff members as well. Wenzler said he is always willing to help staff members that are not yet comfortable with the important position.

"He's so good about thinking about the big picture," Wenzler said.

Wenzler recalled that Blake didn't come to CSU performing his best, despite the fact that he was his senior class president, graduated 32nd in his class of over 300 and earned numerous accolades through his involvement in myriad clubs and activities. But he has worked hard since he arrived, she said.

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