Remembering Jim
Jim Fausel Jr. remembers his namesake on the eve of a new MPI Foundation scholarship in his father’s name.
“I think I’m gonna make it!” My father used this phrase so often I never gave it a second thought when someone would ask him how he was doing. It’s the type of spirited response that offers a true reflection of Dad’s drive and energy as a family man and as a meeting professional.
In September 2008, my father was diagnosed with colon cancer, requiring him to significantly alter what—unbeknownst to him and the family—would be the final five weeks of his life. I remember that day well. In addition to concern over family and friends, there were the students he cared about at Arizona State University (ASU). Having created and instructed the meetings management course there for more than 10 years, my father mentored many future industry leaders. Today, these former students are involved in various MPI chapters and industry jobs. It was through this trying time that Dad again showed his resilient and selfless ways. He always put others first, as was demonstrated by his anxiety over who would teach the class he had put so much of his time and energy into.
Being a mentor and educator was easy for Dad because it was something he loved to do. It was his passion to ensure that future leaders had all the knowledge and tools available to them to make their time learning and doing a whole lot easier. One of the last things that my father accomplished for the industry was coordinating the online CMP study guide that so many MPI members from around the world have taken advantage of. With help from other significant partners, ASU and the MPI Foundation gave our industry an easily accessible study guide for the CMP certification.
As the first anniversary of my father’s passing is here, I am pleased to announce that with the help of the MPI Foundation and the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter (where Dad was past president), my dear mother and I have established the Jim Fausel Scholarship Fund for Certification and Education. This fund will be available to all MPI members who are dedicated to the pursuit of formal and/or continuing industry education.
In this marketplace, proper education and certification are paramount to the success of individuals, corporations and the customers they serve. Jim Fausel Sr. was a tireless advocate of educating and mentoring, and this scholarship ensures that this important message continues. As MPI members we must support those who need our funding assistance. The Jim Fausel Scholarship Fund is set up and ready for donations—for the future leaders, for the meetings community and for fellowship and education.
I was very fortunate to have the best mentor anyone could ask for as a meeting professional and as a father. Let’s keep his spirit alive by supporting professional and personal growth and funding this important cause. Let’s give everyone the opportunity to learn, so they, too, can say, “I think I’m going to make it!”
JIM FAUSEL JR. is president of Global Conference Associates. Fausel is a member of the Arizona Sunbelt Chapter. He may be reached at 1 (602) 319-0708 or jaf@gca-meetings.com.