Muhlenberg athletes are spending the summer of 2024 enjoying fantastic experiences on campus, in their hometowns, across the country and even around the world. Rising junior cross country and track & field runner Lydia Jenkins-Ford wrote about her experience working at the U.S. Open in Pinehurst in North Carolina. She is pictured above at the far left of the front row, just five away from U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.

This summer I was given the wonderful opportunity of working the U.S. Open with MSG Promotions. MSG Promotions excels in managing major events, marketing and client entertainment. Throughout the course of three weeks, I along with 22 other interns assisted the MSG staff in preparing and managing the corporate hospitality sites of the championship.

The first two weeks consisted of ensuring that each site was in perfect condition for the clients, as well as learning many important life lessons given by the owner and operator of MSG, Mimi Griffin. Each day Mimi reminded us of our significance to the overall success of the U.S. Open and inspired us to be the best versions of ourselves during our time at Pinehurst and beyond. 

During Championship Week, we were responsible for managing a team of volunteers while also maintaining a top-notch experience for the clients. We were sectioned into groups and split between the various corporate hospitality venues. I was stationed at the Village on 16, where the clients had the perfect view of the 15th hole green and the 16th hole tee box. 

After 30 years, the 124th U.S. Open was the last of MSG Promotion's events before retirement. I am so thankful to have been included in the company's final year. Although it made the experience more emotional, it also made it incredibly special for all of the staff and interns. 

Although I'm a psychology major in the elementary education certification program, I would not trade this experience for anything. The lifelong friendships, connections and lessons learned have significantly contributed to my personal growth, and I believe they will help me in my future career.

 
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