Contact Us
University Events
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, MS 8150
Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Option 1: Scheduling
- Option 2: Event Operations, Main Campus
- Option 3: Event Operations, University Hall
- Option 4: Inquiries for External Organizations
View campus maps and directions
For external organization inquiries, please contact conference@lmu.edu.
For LMU scheduling/reservation inquiries, please contact scheduling@lmu.edu.
Meet The Full-Time Staff
Conference and Event Services Team
Staci Asai, Director of Conference and Event Services
Event Management Team
Kathryn Turner, Associate Director of Event Management: Kat is a certified Collegiate Conference and Events Professional (CCEP) who has held several roles at LMU since 2013. She was honored with the 2023 Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year Award and plays an active role in ACCED-I, known for her award-winning sessions and leadership. Valued for her heart, humor, and just the right amount of sass, Kat spends her free time with her wife, their seven daughters, and two lovable pups.
James Venegas, Event Manager: James has been with University Events since 2009, first joining the department as a student employee. Since graduating in 2013, James has continued his career as an Event Operations Coordinator and now as an Event Manager, bringing his expertise and passion for creating meaningful experiences to every LMU event. Outside the office, he’s a walking encyclopedia of fun facts, a collector of bobbleheads, and a master at wrangling his two Corgis alongside his wife.
Nicholas Cole, Event Manager: Nick began his journey at LMU in 2014 as an undergraduate student studying English Language and Secondary Education. He has been with the University Events team since 2019 and will complete his MBA in the winter of 2025. Outside of work and studies, Nick enjoys going to concerts, exploring Los Angeles, and discovering new music. Feel free to stop by his cubicle anytime to say hello or share a music recommendation!
Claudia Borja, Event Manager: Claudia joined University Events in 2022 as our Business Operations Coordinator, and is now one of our Event Managers. Prior to LMU, Claudia held multiple roles in her 14 years at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey. Her strong hospitality background helped her transition to LMU seamlessly.
Michelle Fernandez, Event Manager: Michelle joined LMU in 2022 as an Event Manager with University Events, bringing over 15 years of event experience. She’s a proud mom to two boys, one of whom is a Mechanical Engineering student at LMU. Michelle is married, a Los Angeles native, and loves traveling, dancing, and planning events. Michelle was honored with the 2024 Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year Award. She’s grateful to call LMU home and to work with such an amazing group of students and colleagues.
Andrew Barth, Event Operations Coordinator: Andy began his career as an NYU-trained actor working in theater and commercials, before transitioning backstage to stage management and ultimately serving as the Technical Director for the Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA, a role he held for nearly 20 years. Upon retiring, he sought an opportunity closer to his home in Playa del Rey and discovered LMU practically in his backyard. He was fortunate to begin his LMU tenure with University Events and has valued the opportunity to contribute his hard-earned professional experience to the department. Andy’s greatest fulfillment comes from working alongside the exceptional student staff in Event Operations. Supporting students as they pursue their personal and professional goals has been the most rewarding element of his time at LMU, and he remains deeply proud to be part of their journey.
Jaden Schutt, Event Operations Coordinator
Business Operations Team
Jo Ann Gonzalez, Assistant Director of Business Operations: Since joining LMU in 2018, Jo served as a Special Events Manager in the University Advancement department, mainly focusing on Board of Trustee and donor related events. In 2023, she transitioned to the University Events team, where she now manages contracting summer conferences, day events, and business operations.
Laury DeSanctis, Sales Associate
Julia Andrews, Business Operations Associate
Nidia Callejas, Business Operations Coordinator: Nidia brings a blend of experience in finance, administration, and creative arts to every role she takes on. With a background in financial operations and administrative support, she has developed strong skills in organization, budgeting, and problem-solving. She also holds a degree in animation, which fuels her creativity and gives her a fresh perspective when approaching challenges.
Event Services Team
Kellie McDonald, Assistant Director of Event Services: Kellie joined LMU in 2021 after 10 years at UCR. She leads the Event Services team, oversees internal scheduling, and manages Mazévo. Kellie holds an MFA in Theatre Direction and is a real-life mermaid who loves rollerblading and spending time with her kitties.
Cloe Fields, Event Services Coordinator: Cloe has been at LMU since 2023, using Mazévo and keeping the student staff on track. With a film degree from The Art Center College of Design, years in coffee shops and management, she brings creativity, focus, and critical thinking to support the University Events team. When not at LMU, she edits YouTube videos for Minecraft gamers and spends time with her German shepherd.
Samantha Zendejas, Event Services Coordinator: Sammy joined University Events in 2023, where she oversees a student staff and processes LMU’s internal events. She is a CSUN grad with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, she brings energy and organization to every task. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing and spending time with her family and golden doodle, the fluffiest member of her family.
Signature Events Team
Trish Carlson, Senior Director of Signature Events: Trish is the inaugural Senior Director of Signature Events at LMU. In this position, she is responsible for premier events, such as the Rams Training Camp, Commencement, and Presidential functions. Previously, Trish was the Sr. Director of Campus Services, where she led the Event Scheduling, Event Operations, and Conference Services teams. In 2020, Trish was awarded the LMU Barbara Bonney Staff Member of the Year Award.
Lauren Ballesteros Rawlings, Senior Event Producer for Presidential Events: With over a decade of work experience at LMU, Lauren has been part of several departments: College of Business MBA Office, Conference and Event Services, Facilities Management, Presidential Operations, and now Signature Events. As Senior Event Producer for Presidential Events, she plans Presidential level events both on and off campus. When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time cooking and hanging out with her husband and young boys at the beach and park.
Agnes Rutkai, Senior Event Producer: Agnes joined LMU in 2023 and serves as one of the Senior Event Producers, specializing in customer service and VIP events. She holds a BA in Economics with a focus on Hotel and Restaurant Management. Originally from Budapest, Agnes grew up in Germany and has called Los Angeles home since 2016. She enjoys dining out, cooking, house music, and taking long walks with her dog and husband.
Danielle Federico, Senior Event Producer