Play great, act cool: Building community connections at the Satellite Student Union

Serving as the program production supervisor for the student unions, Michael Bonner oversees the technical production of all events hosted at the Satellite Student Union (SSU), including celebrations, musical and dance performances, staff and faculty gatherings, conferences and more. Most recently, Bonner oversaw the Hmong New Year Celebration, which had approximately 500 attendees. In his role, Bonner also assists with events hosted at the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Student Union and University Student Union. 

Bonner said, “Not long ago, it was risky to gather large groups of people together. But in the 2022-2023 academic year, the SSU was reserved 118 times for different productions and events that invited people to gather, express, and share experiences together. I look forward to doing more this next year.”

Originally from Connecticut, Bonner is a musician at heart. He recalled a childhood in which he turned pots and pans into drums, played cello seriously for three years and then found himself called again to drumming; this time, the instrument carrying him through college and into adulthood. 

Bonner majored in music performance at Fresno State. As a student, he played in Fresno State’s Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and Bulldog Marching Band. He also played drum set on scholarship in the Bulldog Beat and won the Fresno State Concerto Competition as part of a percussion trio.

Bonner took on his current role at Fresno State in June of 2022, after working as a band manager and radio promotions director. 

He said, “My background is in music. Whether it was in performance, retail, marketing, or production, music has earned me a lot of experience in honing a craft, providing service, and working with others. I think every experience can be described as a performance, and I feel fortunate to have it be a part of my daily routine.”

The technicalities of each event hosted at the SSU are unique and event-specific, requiring Bonner to work closely with event organizers from beginning to end—identifying needs and expectations and helping to bring the vision for an event to life. 

“The defining feature of the SSU is that it’s a blank slate. Groups can come in here and make it their own. I want them to do that and that’s what I strive for… to provide an environment where individuals can express themselves. This space helps me do that. My staff and support from my department makes that happen. Teamwork makes that happen.”

Bonner also manages sound and light systems throughout the duration of events, with the help of student technicians that he’s trained. He also works with the Reservation Center and custodial staff to coordinate event preparations.

“The SSU frequently hosts groups that are unfamiliar with live production or event planning, and [those groups] are often nervous. It feels good to bring them to ease as I reassure them that they are supported by an experienced and trained staff. I want groups to feel comfortable and ready when it’s show time.”

Outside of work, Bonner still plays drums, performing with the Jazz Mass at Hope Lutheran and Delta Tango, a jazz trio. As a musician, Bonner has adopted a mantra that he’s extended to his professional life as well: Play great. Act cool. 

“Every day since I’ve heard that, I think: Be great in what you do. Give all the effort that you can and be kind. Don’t just be nice but be kind,” he said. “I really believe in that and I try to bring that into my job—Play great. Act cool.”

by MARISA MATA

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