You could say Leon Howard knows how to throw a good party, but the founder and chair of the Muskegon Multicultural Beach Festival actually created more than that when he presented the inaugural MMBF event last August. “(It highlights) our beautiful beach and lakefronts, and our talented and diverse population,” he says.

Howard, a hall director for University Housing, says the idea initially was born when he became an Americorps VISTA Volunteer in 1997, after serving four years in the U.S. Navy.

“During my (VISTA volunteer) term, I developed and organized a program called the African American Expo,” he says. “(It) focused on addressing health issues in the African-American community in Muskegon, Michigan.” The event includes a Drowning Memorial Service, to memorialize drowning victims, including his brother Deshawn Howard.

After his experience in Americorps, Howard created the MMBF in an effort to encourage local pride. “It celebrates the land, lakes, rich diversity and culture that exist in Muskegon,” he says. “One of our goals is to touch on and promote our principles — life-long learning, sustainability, diversity, healthy lifestyles and economic development — through the performances, exhibitors and the activities we have at the festival. We want to educate and inform as well as entertain.”

A native to Muskegon, Howard studied business administration and marketing at Olivet College after his service in the Navy and Americorps. He continued his studies at Michigan State University, receiving a Master of Arts in student affairs administration.

What drew him to work at U-M, Howard says, is the university’s “(residential education) work and philosophy on social and restorative justice.” As a hall director, he helps oversee a residential education team geared toward building a diverse living environment “that supports students’ personal, social and academic development.”

A typical day is spent assessing and supplying student and community needs, developing housing programs and creating learning experiences “that will assist (the students) in achieving their personal and professional goals in life as well as preparing them to be global citizens.”

Howard says a favorite part of his job is working with students. He enjoys talking with the student resident advisers on issues of social justice, power and privilege and identity development. “That is a real highlight of working at U of M for me. It is contributing to another person’s growth and development while they add and contribute to mine,” he says. “I really enjoy it when they are questioning each other in a dialogue, challenging and supporting each other’s growth development, and helping each other develop new levels of understanding of themselves and others.

“I am learning that I have a responsibility to do what I can, not only to make sure my voice is heard but that other voices are heard also. I am learning how to support and affirm people of different and multiple-identity backgrounds, including those based on gender, sexual orientation, class, ethnicity, race and many others that are part of either a target or agent group.”

With what little free time he has, Howard enjoys the company of his seven nieces and nephews, who “inspire me to do more and be more.” He also likes the old Hollywood classics, starring William Holden, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.

Lately, though, Howard keeps busy with planning the second annual MMBF. The first event drew more than 2,000 people over three days, along with more than 50 performers and 60 vendors. This year, the festival will include a sand sculpting contest, a fashion show, a college resource fair and a concert series.

In everything he does, Howard always tries to help others and give back to his community. “It does not matter where you live,” he says, “but how far you are willing to reach.”

The weekly Spotlight features staff members at the university. To nominate a candidate, please contact the Record staff at urecord@umich.edu.