HARRISBURG, PA – At Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), we’re especially proud when our graduates stay with us after their classes end to help advance our mission. Perhaps they lead our Veterans Service Council, or spearhead HU’s alumni relations, or become HU professors who regularly publish impactful research.
For Lynzie Wagaman, life as a Harrisburg University alumna landed her in the position of Assistant Director of Esports and Partnerships. She’s become a vital part of HU’s celebrated esports program, a critical player in university advancement and outreach, and a familiar face at most of HU’s events over the last few years.
Lynzie was recently awarded the Certificate of Excellence as a graduate of the Gen.G Esports Practicum Abroad Program. We sat down with Lynzie to learn more about this honor, her time at HU, and her advice for students looking to make their mark on the billion-dollar esports industry.
Congratulations on your recent award! Could you share some details about it, and what it means to you?
It was truly an honor to just be selected to attend the Gen.G Practicum Abroad this past January in Seoul. I worked on some awesome projects alongside other recent graduates in the Business Team and really felt the passion of everyone there. I was surprised I was selected to receive the Certificate of Excellence because I felt we were all leaders and all did incredible work. It was an honor to receive the Certificate and to work on some amazing projects with the incredibly hard workers on the Business Team.
What initially drew you to Harrisburg University?
I was drawn to HU because of esports! I discovered my interest in the industry during my gap year after high school and knew I had to be involved in the world of professional gaming. My dad knew my interest in the space and introduced me to Harrisburg University. I was really excited by The Storm, and I started to follow them prior to starting my freshman year in 2019.
What did you study at HU, and how did your time here shape your career path?
I started as an Interactive Media major because the Esports Management (ESPT) program hadn’t been started yet. During the second semester of my freshman year, I and several other students were able to enroll in the first esports-focused classes at HU and became the first class of ESPT students. I graduated from HU with a degree in Esports Management, Production, and Performance.
How did you transition into your current role at Harrisburg University?
Before I graduated, I had been pitched the idea of filling the Assistant Director role after graduating and completing my internship with Evil Geniuses. I was offered the position about a month after graduation and started full-time in July 2023. It was an adjustment going from student to staff, but I knew almost everyone at HU, and they were all so helpful when I started.
Can you describe your responsibilities in event planning and esports?
I work closely with Nick and Iyen, our Storm coaches; Darren, our Senior Esports Advisor; the Esports Management department; and HU’s IT and facilities teams to plan all aspects of HUE Invitational as well as one-off events. We work together to organize the tournament bracket, create team invites, organize student volunteers, and much more. I’m just a piece of the larger team that makes these events such a success year after year.
What makes esports such a unique field within a university setting?
Esports in a university setting is unique because we wear so many hats. We’re often connected with Admissions regarding new students, working with Student Life for events, and even acting as an athletic department, since esports is our official varsity sport. This means every day is different and we’re always working on something new.
Can you share a memorable event you’ve helped organize?
HUE Invitational is always memorable for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on the event in both 2023 and 2024, and I’m really looking forward to the next one. Being part of one of the largest collegiate esports events in the country that kicks off the fall competitive season will always be a great time!
What skills from your time as a student have been most valuable in your career?
I would say effective communication and networking. I feel like most students understand the importance of communication, but to me, you must be effective with it: asking the right questions, talking to the right people, and being timely with responses. Networking is effective communication at an accelerated pace. Often, when speaking with people, you may have just 10–15 minutes before they get pulled away. It’s all about knowing how to get across what you want to say, whether it’s giving an elevator pitch for yourself, expressing your interest in their company, or just catching up. Networking has played a huge part in getting me to where I am today.
What advice would you give current students interested in event planning or esports?
Don’t undersell the work you do! I often look at students’ résumés and see how little they talk about what they did or accomplished, when I know they made a major impact in their role.
How does it feel to now work at the university you once attended?
It felt strange going from being a student to becoming a staff member at HU. I remember there were a few people who thought I was still a student when I started, and I had to remind them I had graduated! Now, being almost two years post-grad, the feeling of still being a student while walking through HU’s halls has faded. I’m ready for whatever comes next!
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
