By Victoria Rosales

Staff Writer

Sports may be seasonal, but Pete Rusticus’ job is year-round. Rusticus, Director of Corporate Sponsorship at Cornerstone University, is in charge of promoting the Golden Eagles and finding sponsors for the Athletic Department.

Marketing for the Athletic Department is a hands-on job and there’s no better man to do it than Rusticus.

“If I’m in my office it means I’m not doing my job,” Rusticus said.

Constantly on the go, he meets with a wide variety of both locally and nationally owned businesses.

His goal, he says, is to off-set any costs for the Athletics Department with corporate sponsorship.

He writes contracts for sponsors who are looking to expand their clientele while simultaneously sharing the news about Cornerstone University with the community.

Examples of his work are on display in the Hansen Center, with a number of banners on display representing businesses in our community.

Before coming to Cornerstone, Rusticus worked with the Grand Rapids Hoops where his love for sports and sales grew.

Rusticus also works with the Advancement Committee to raise money for Cornerstone.

He helps to host a number of fundraisers in the community including Champions of Character, a basketball tournament that brings together high school, college, and professional athletes.

“I love my job and this University,” said Rusticus, who believes he was sent here by God to be a role model for students.

A graduate of Davenport Institute of Business, Rusticus has worked in sales for 45 years, until six years ago he was asked to join the Cornerstone team.

Rusticus loves interacting with the students on campus. “They make me feel young again,” he laughs.

Serving as Director of Corporate Sponsorship is not Rusticus’ only job here on campus.

On game nights he can be heard on the loud speakers as the announcer for both Cornerstones men’s and women’s basketball teams as well as women’s softball.

In addition to his work at Cornerstone Rusticus plays an active role in our community as the announcer for local high school sports.

He is also very involved at church, and loves to be a light to his community.